Hazelwood Parks and Recreation
Baseball Rulebook
(Revised 2009)
Table of Contents Page
Introduction........................................................... 1
Administrative Rules............................................... 1
Game Rules........................................................... 2
Divisional Rules...................................................... 7
Instructional 1 & 2............................................ 7
Instructional 3 (Peewee)................................... 8
Atom 1............................................................. 9
Atom 2............................................................ 10
Bantam 1......................................................... 10
Bantam 2......................................................... 10
Midget 1......................................................... 10
Midget 2......................................................... 11
Juvenile 1........................................................ 11
Juvenile 2........................................................ 11
Juniors............................................................. 11
Field Dimensions Table......................................... 11
Quick Reference Guide......................................... 12
Introduction
The purpose of this rulebook is to outline general organizational rules and special rules for league play. The Official Baseball Rules (OBR) will govern the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Baseball League (H.P.R.) baseball league where exceptions to these rules are not made in this rulebook.
Administrative Rules
Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic beverages by managers, coaches, or players is not allowed during a game. Violation will result in ejection from the game and possible further disciplinary action.
Coaching: The manager, coach, or other adult must be present to supervise the team for all league games. Except for the base coaches, managers and coaches are not allowed on the playing field while the ball is in play.
Conduct: Managers are responsible for the behavior of their players, coaches, and fans. Abusive behavior and improper language will not be tolerated, and may result in being ejected from the game. No spectators, managers, coaches, or players are allowed in the area directly behind home plate. Physical abuse will result in suspension from all further games until the Commissioner restores eligibility.
Ejections: Umpires and league officials at their own discretion may eject managers, coaches, players, or spectators from the game. Upon ejection, that person must leave the playing area within two minutes or the game may be forfeited. All individuals will automatically be placed on probation after their first ejection. Ejected players will simply be skipped in the batting order, not counted as an out, for the remainder of the game. Upon an individual’s second ejection during the season, there may be possible further disciplinary action.
Food, Drinks & Other: Except water for the players, no food or drinks are to be brought into the park.
Rainouts: All rainout games will be rescheduled as soon as possible. All managers, or other team representative, are to attend the rescheduling session for each rainout. If no one is present, the game will be rescheduled and it will be the manager’s responsibility to get the makeup date from the baseball scheduler. Also, games may be called due to excessive heat at the discretion of the H.P.R. and will be rescheduled the same as rainouts.
Tobacco: The use of tobacco products is prohibited on the playing field and in the dugout during any game. The umpire shall warn both teams on the first offense. A second offense will result in ejection from the game.
Game Rules
Blood Rule: A player, coach, or umpire who is bleeding or has blood on his uniform shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment can be administered. The umpire shall: (1) Stop the game and immediately call the manager or other adult to tend to the injured player, (2) Allow a reasonable length of time to administer treatment before asking the player to leave the game, (3) Send someone to contact the park coordinator so that additional support can be provided, and (4) Apply the appropriate substitution rules for continuing the game. Uniform rules will not be enforced if an equipment change is required.
Chanting: No manager, coach, player, or spectator shall at any time, whether from the bench, playing field, or elsewhere, use language or make actions that in any manner refer to or reflect upon any opposing manager, coach, player, or spectator. Chanting, heckling, or making disparaging remarks towards opponents in any manner is prohibited. After a warning, which shall be issued to the entire team, offenders shall be ejected from the game.
Collision Rule: The intent of this rule is to encourage players to avoid collisions whenever possible while not allowing either side to gain an unfair advantage. Offensive and defensive players are to share in this responsibility by being aware of their positioning and conducting themselves in a sportsmanlike manner.
When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder (except when fielding a batted ball), the umpire shall judge whether the fielder: (1) Had possession of the ball and was waiting to make a tag, (2) Was blocking the base (plate) or base line, (3) Was in the act of fielding the ball.
1. If the fielder has possession of the ball and is waiting to make a tag, runners are prohibited from remaining on their feet and making deliberate contact with the fielder. If such contact occurs, the runner shall be called out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead, and all other runners shall return to the last base occupied at the time of the interference. If the umpire judges the contact to be flagrant, the runner shall also be ejected from the game.
Ø There is no “must slide” rule. When a fielder has the ball in his possession, the runner may either give himself up, slide, or try to get around the fielder.
Ø As a guide, a fielder should have held the ball for approximately 1-1 ½ seconds before he is considered to have possession.
2. If a fielder without the ball in his possession and not in the act of fielding the ball blocks the base or base line, it is obstruction. The runner is safe and an immediate dead ball shall be called. If the runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the obstruction, but ejected from the game.
3. If the fielder is in the act of fielding a thrown ball and is blocking the pathway of the runner, the runner may make contact with the fielder as long as he is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate. This is considered incidental contact with no penalty as both players have the right to the same spot on the field. However, if the contact is flagrant, the runner shall be called out and ejected from the game. The runner is allowed to leave the baseline to avoid contact, but not to simply avoid being tagged.
Note: Flagrant or malicious contact is defined as deliberate contact made in a harmful or unsportsmanlike manner (such as lowering a shoulder). Contact made while sliding would almost never be considered flagrant unless the runner’s feet or legs were raised to the fielder’s knee level when standing.
Conferences-Defensive: During one inning, on the 2nd visit to the same pitcher by a manager, coach, or player-coach, that pitcher must be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
Conferences-Offensive: The offensive team is allowed two conferences per inning to permit the manager or coaches to confer with batters and/or base runners. A conference will be charged when the offensive team calls time out to confer with players. The umpires shall deny any subsequent requests for conference.
Courtesy Runner: A courtesy runner may run for: (1) the catcher with 2 outs (the catcher must catch the first complete at bat of the next half inning), (2) a player who is ejected while on base, (3) a player injured during the current at bat or attempt at running the bases, but not for a prior injury. The courtesy runner will be the player who made the last out.
Ending the Game: All games consist of 7 innings and have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit (except Instructional divisions). Any game ending after 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead) or as a result of the time limit is a complete game. A game is also complete if it is called on account of weather or other reasons and 1 hour 15 minutes of play has been completed, regardless of the inning. No new inning shall start after the time limit has expired except for tiebreaker innings. No inning may start within 15 minutes of the next game’s scheduled start time. The next inning begins immediately after the 3rd out of the previous inning is made. If a game ends in the middle of an inning due to weather, time limit, etc., the final score reverts to the last completed inning. Exception: if the home team is at bat, is ahead or tied, and any lead they may have had did not decrease during the inning, the ending score is used. Tie games will not be replayed.
Equipment: Game balls will be furnished by H.P.R. Both the home and visiting team will furnish one new baseball at the start of each game. If additional balls are needed, the home and visiting teams will provide a used ball in good condition alternatively. One-piece and Connexion type aluminum bats are allowed without weight restrictions. Catchers and any player warming up a pitcher must wear a protective helmet and mask with a throat protector. All batters and base runners must wear official full protective headgear, consisting of a full top and ear protection. Any runner deliberately removing their headgear while the ball is in play shall be called out immediately. This does not remove any force play on preceding runners. Players must wear helmets while coaching the bases.
Fake Tag: Fake tags are considered obstruction.
Forfeit: If a team fails to field 8 rostered players by the end of the 15-minute grace period for a scheduled game, the team shall forfeit the game. Should neither team have 8 players, both teams will forfeit and be credited with a loss. Teams must have 8 players to play the game, but may finish with only 7 due to injury. A $50 fee will be assessed for all forfeits, which must be paid prior to the next scheduled game. Failure to comply will result in additional forfeitures and fees. The $50 fee will be waived if the other manager, league coordinator, and umpire coordinator is notified 24 hours in advance of the ensuing forfeit.
Ground Rules: Umpires are to hold ground rules no sooner than 5 minutes before and no later than the scheduled game time. They shall confer with both managers to explain any time limits, curfews, and special rules that apply to their game. Lineups are to be exchanged at this time.
Inning: A half inning consists of 3 outs or 7 runs, whichever occurs first (the run limit for Instructional divisions is 5 runs/inning). Teams will be expected to hustle on and off the field between innings. Umpires are to allow 1 minute between ½ innings. Stalling tactics are not to be tolerated. If teams are not ready to play when instructed by the umpire, he shall begin calling balls against the defense, or strikes against the offense.
Injured Player: If a player misses his turn at bat due to injury, he cannot re-enter the game and is simply skipped in the batting order for the remainder of the game. He is not counted as an out. If a player is injured in the middle of his at bat and cannot finish, the next batter will be allowed to assume the count and finish the at bat with the line-up continuing as normal (e.g. After B2 finishes the at bat for B1, B3 is the legal batter). The injured player is not out of the game until he misses his next at bat. A team can complete a game with seven players due to injury.
Late Player: Players arriving after the start of the game may be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. For disciplinary reasons, the manager may insert the player into the game at any time (or not at all), as long as this possible action was previously communicated to the team.
Mercy Rule: Games will be considered complete if either team leads by 15 runs after 3 innings (home team after 2 ½ innings), 10 runs after 5 innings (home team after 4 ½ innings), or 20 runs at any point in the game. The umpire shall immediately end the game in favor of the leading team.
Pitching: One pitch is considered an inning. If a pitcher is removed and returned in the same inning, it only counts as one inning. A pitcher may take the mound only twice per inning. If the pitching limit is exceeded, the pitcher shall be removed immediately without penalty. (The pitching limits are set in an effort to protect the players from injury, not as means to earn a forfeit. Imposing no penalty places the burden of enforcing this rule equally on both teams and the umpires.)
Playing Time: The entire roster bats. Every player must play at least two full innings in the field during a five or six inning game, and three full innings in a seven-inning game. These minimums may be disregarded due to team disciplinary actions as long as this is made evident to the opposing team at ground rules. In the case of a late player, innings missed count as innings played. Failure to comply will be reviewed by the Baseball Commissioner and could result in penalties ranging from a warning to forfeiture of the game.
Protesting Games: Protests can only be made when it is believed that an umpire’s decision is in violation of the rules. Protests are not permitted on judgment calls. Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules, the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch is made or a runner is retired. At the time of the protest, the umpire shall inform the opposing manager and scorekeepers of the protest, and record the current status of the game. Include the umpire’s, team, and managers’ names, inning, score, time, lineup, number of outs, base runner positions, count on the batter, and the number of innings pitched by each pitcher. The game will then resume.
Protesting managers must send a $25 fee along with a written protest to the H.P.R. Baseball Commissioner within 72 hours for the protest to be reviewed. Umpires should also file a written report within 24 hours. The protest committee (consisting of the Baseball Commissioner and Umpire Coordinator) shall review the protest and render a decision. The Baseball Commissioner is responsible for collecting all the necessary information. If the protest is upheld, the game will be replayed from the point of the protest and the fee returned. Original lineups will be used with players not present for the replay simply being left out, and players not present for the original game being added to the bottom of the lineup. All pitching limits will continue from the point of the protest. If the protest is not upheld, the game will be judged complete as originally finished, and the protest fee will be forfeited to the H.P.R. general fund. The protest committee’s decision is the final decision.
Report Card: Umpires shall have both managers sign the game report card immediately after the game. This verifies the outcome of the game, and helps ensure the umpires are paid.
Starting the Game: Game time shall start at the conclusion of ground rules. If the ground rules are covered prior to the scheduled start time of the game and either team is not ready to start, the start time will be the scheduled start time. Games may start early if agreed to by both teams and the umpires, as in the case of a double header. A 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time will be given to allow each team to have 8 players present before declaring a forfeit. Once a team has 8 players, the game shall start without delay. The used grace period counts against the time limit for that game.
Score Sheet: Each team is responsible for keeping its own score sheet. The home team will have the official score sheet. The visiting team is responsible for ensuring that both score sheets are the same. Scores should be checked at the end of each inning. Teams will be awarded 1 point for a win, and ½ point for a tie.
Substitutions: Free substitution will be allowed for the defense. This has no effect on the batting order.
Suspended Games: Games unable to be continued due to electrical or mechanical problems will be continued at a later date. Scorekeepers and umpires are to record the current status of the game as outlined under “Protesting Games.”
Thrown Bat: The batter is not allowed to throw the bat in the direction of any defensive player. The umpire shall issue a team warning upon the first incident, and on succeeding occurrences the offending player shall be called out. If in the umpire’s judgment it is a deliberate unsportsmanlike-like act, he may eject the player from the game. The bat slipping out of the batter’s hands is not to be considered a thrown bat.
Tiebreaker: Games tied after 7 innings or at the end of any inning after the time limit has expired will be continued if time allows. Tiebreaker innings may begin up to within 15 minutes of the start of a succeeding game, or played until the 10:50 pm park curfew. All tiebreaker innings will begin with the last batter from the previous inning being placed on second base with 1 out. The tiebreaker inning is treated as any other inning for pitching and other rules. If the tie is not broken at the end of the applicable time limit, the game will be judged complete and recorded as a tie.
Uniforms: All players must wear numbered, corresponding shirts. Other than an official uniform shirt, a pitcher cannot wear any kind of white sleeves, bans, batting gloves, or jewelry while pitching. Metal cleats are only allowed in Juvenile 2 and Junior divisions. Hats are not required.
Divisional Rules
Instructional 1 (5u) & 2 (6u)
Age:
Instructional 1 (I-1): 5 year olds who will not turn 6 before May 1st.
Instructional 2 (I-2): 6 year olds who will not turn 7 before May 1st.
Base Distance: 45 feet
Other:
1. The official game is seven innings or 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes for Mon-Thu 6:00 pm games during school). A half inning consists of 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever occurs first.
2. There are no standings. All games officially end in a tie.
3. The official game ball will be an 8 ½” safety ball provided by the league.
4. Pitching distance is left to the coach’s discretion based upon a hitter’s ability. It is recommended that all coaches pitch overhand from one knee, as this has proved helpful in the past.
Offense
5. Batters will be allowed the following number of swings:
I-1: Batters will hit off a tee at all times. If the ball is not put into play, it is then placed back on the tee until put into play. There are no strikeouts.
I-2: Coach pitches to all batters who get 3 swings or 6 pitches. If the ball is not put into play, it is placed on a tee until put into play. There are no strikeouts.
6. Any hit, either pitched or off the tee, must travel at least 10 feet. If it does not, the ball is dead and all base runners shall return to their original bases.
I-1 & 2: If the ball was pitched, the batter will be charged with a swing, and if the third swing, the ball shall then be placed on the tee. If the ball was hit off the tee, it is simply placed back on the tee for another attempt.
7. Base runners can advance as follows:
I-1: One base on any batted ball put into play.
I-2: One base on any batted ball that does not leave the infield. On a ball hit into the outfield, runners must stop at the base he is going to when the ball physically reaches the infield.
I-1 & 2: No bases will be awarded on an overthrow.
8. There are no leadoffs or stealing. Base runners may not leave their base until the ball is hit.
9. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
10. Number of coaches allowed to assist the offensive team:
I-1: 3 coaches: batter, 1st base and 3rd base.
I-2: 4 coaches: pitcher, catcher, 1st base and 3rd base.
Defense
11. Number of players in the field:
I-1 & 2: 8 fielders, no catcher (a coach for the offensive team shall catch).
12. Number of coaches allowed to assist the defensive team:
I-1: 3 coaches.
I-2: 2 coaches.
Instructional 3 (Peewee) (7u)
Age: 7 year olds who will not turn 8 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 55 feet; Pitching Machine = 42 feet (to middle of wheel), Speed = 36 mph.
Other:
1. The official game is seven innings or 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes for Mon-Thu 6:00 pm games during school). A half inning consists of 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever occurs first.
2. There are no standings. All games officially end in a tie.
3. All games will be played using a pitching machine. Managers are responsible for setting up the pitching machine prior to the start of the game, making the best attempt to have balls pitched in the middle of the strike zone. An offensive coach will operate the pitching machine and make any necessary adjustments.
Ø The speed may be adjusted down to 35 mph or up to 37 mph during the game in order to easily adjust the height of the pitch if necessary. If these adjustments are insufficient, the machine’s trajectory should be adjusted.
5. Each game will have one umpire calling the bases.
6. The batter will be allowed six swings. If the ball is not put into play, the batter is out. However, if a foul ball is hit on the sixth pitch, or any pitch thereafter, another pitch will be allowed. There are no walks.
7. Any pitched ball that is not hit is immediately dead.
8. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead. The batter shall be awarded first base, and all runners will advance one base only if forced.
9. There are no leadoffs or stealing. Base runners may not leave their base until the ball is hit or has crossed the plate. If the runner leaves the base before the ball is hit into fair territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, affected the play by doing so, the runner shall be called out. (Infraction should be obvious before being enforced.)
10. Base runners can advance only one base on any batted ball that does not leave the infield. On a ball hit into the outfield, runners must stop at the base he is going to when the fielder is in the act of throwing the ball.
11. No bases will be awarded on an overthrow that goes out of play.
12. If a thrown ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is immediately dead and all runners are awarded one base in accordance with OBR.
13. The pitcher shall stand adjacent to the pitching machine on either side, behind the front legs and in front of the rear legs at the time of the pitch. The pitcher may move after the pitch is made.
14. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
15. The offensive and defensive teams will be allowed one conference per inning.
16. Three coaches will be allowed on the field at all times:
Offense: Two base coaches and one operating the pitching machine.
Defense: Two coaches in the field and one behind the catcher.
Atom 1 (8u)
Age: 8 year olds who will not turn 9 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 55 feet; Pitching Machine = 42 feet (to middle of wheel), Speed = 36 mph.
Other:
1. All games will be played using a pitching machine. Umpires and managers are responsible for setting up the pitching machine prior to the start of the game, making the best attempt to have balls pitched in the middle of the strike zone. An offensive coach will operate the pitching machine and make any necessary adjustments, however, he is prohibited from coaching batters and runners. Coaches may be ejected for coaching while pitching after receiving a warning.
Ø The speed may be adjusted down to 35 mph or up to 37 mph during the game in order to easily adjust the height of the pitch if necessary. If these adjustments are insufficient, the machine’s trajectory should be adjusted.
2. Each game will have two umpires. The plate umpire will call balls and strikes as in a regular pitched game.
3. Three strikes is a strikeout in accordance with OBR. There are no walks.
4. Any pitched ball that is not hit is immediately dead.
5. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead. The batter shall be awarded first base, and all runners will advance one base only if forced.
6. There are no leadoffs or stealing. Base runners may not leave their base until the ball is hit or has crossed the plate. The first time a runner leaves the base early, both teams will be given a warning. The runner shall be called out on each additional violation, provided the ball is batted into fair territory.
7. If a thrown ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is live and in play. If it comes to rest beneath the machine and its retrieval presents a danger to the players, the ball is immediately dead and all runners are awarded one base in accordance with OBR.
8. At the end of each play the umpire shall call time out. The ball shall then be returned to the pitching position for the next pitch. The play shall be ruled over when a defensive player has possession of the ball on the infield, and in the umpire’s judgment, all attempts by the runners to advance and plays being made on the runners have ended.
9. The pitcher shall stand adjacent to the pitching machine on either side, behind the front legs and in front of the rear legs at the time of the pitch. The pitcher may move after the pitch is made.
10. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
11. The batter is out on a dropped third strike.
12. The offensive and defensive teams will be allowed one conference per inning.
Atom 2 (9u)
Age: 9 year olds who will not turn 10 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 60 feet; Pitching = 42 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 4 innings per day. Balks may be called but no bases will be awarded.
Other:
1. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
2. The batter is out on a dropped 3rd strike.
3. There are no lead-offs.
4. Base runners may attempt to steal 2nd and 3rd base but may not leave the base until the pitcher has released the ball. Runners may not steal home. The first time a runner leaves the base early, both teams will be given a warning. The runner shall be called out on each additional violation.
5. Runners can only score on a batted ball, or if forced, a walk or hit batsman. If a runner crosses the plate safely but illegally, he must return to 3B.
Ø Exception: see rule #6.
6. If any runner strays off base and the pitcher or catcher makes a pick-off attempt, all runners may advance one base, and may score on the play.
7. Runners may not advance on an overthrow by the catcher when making a play on a runner stealing, regardless of whether or not the ball remains in play.
Ø Since catchers are first introduced at this age to making this difficult play, the rule encourages the play to be made by removing any reason not to.
Bantam 1 (10u)
Age: 10 year olds who will not turn 11 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 65 feet; Pitching = 45 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 4 innings per day. Balks will be called, however, each pitcher will receive a warning on his first balk. On the warning, no penalty will be enforced and all runners will remain at the current base occupied.
Bantam 2 (11u)
Age: 11 year olds who will not turn 12 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 70 feet; Pitching = 48 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 4 innings per day. Balks will be called, however, each pitcher will receive a warning on his first balk. On the warning, no penalty will be enforced and all runners will remain at the current base occupied.
Midget 1 (12u)
Age: 12 year olds who will not turn 13 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 75 feet; Pitching = 51 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 5 innings per day. Balks will be called with no warnings given.
Midget 2 (13u)
Age: 13 year olds who will not turn 14 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 80 feet; Pitching = 54 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 5 innings per day. Balks will be called with no warnings given.
Juvenile 1 (14u)
Age: 14 year olds who will not turn 15 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 90 feet; Pitching = 60.5 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 7 innings per day.
Juvenile 2 (16u)
Age: 15 year olds who will not turn 17 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 90 feet; Pitching = 60.5 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 7 innings per day.
Other: Metal cleats allowed.
Juniors (18u)
Age: 17 year olds who will not turn 19 before May 1st.
Distances: Bases = 90 feet; Pitching = 60.5 feet.
Pitching: Pitchers are limited to pitching 7 innings per day.
Quick Reference Guide
1. The batter’s hands are not part of the bat. They are treated the same as any other part of the body. {Rules: 2:00 Person, Touch, Strike(e) and 6.05(f) and 6.08(b)}
2. If a batted ball hits the plate it is not automatically a foul ball, but is treated like any other batted ball. The plate is in fair territory. {Rule 2:00 Foul}
3. A foul tip is not a foul ball. It is a strike and is in play. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. If not caught, it is a foul ball. {Rule 2:00 Foul tip, Strike}
4. A swing is a judgment by the umpire as to whether the batter attempted to strike the ball. The bat crossing the plate or the batter breaking his wrists does not automatically constitute a swing, but are simply aids in judgment. {Rule 2.00 Strike}
5. It is not an automatic strike if the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while in the bunting position. If no effort is made to make contact with a ball outside the strike zone, it should be called a ball. {Rule 2.00 Strike, Bunt}
6. The batter can switch boxes at any time, provided he does not do it while the pitcher is in position to pitch. {Rule 6.06(b)}
7. If the batter is interfered with by the catcher or any fielder, the ball is not dead if a play follows the interference. The manager of the offense may elect to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. If the batter reaches first base and all runners advance at least one base, the interference is ignored. {6.08(c)}
8. A pitch that bounces can be hit, and can never be a legally caught third strike. Batters are awarded 1B if hit by a bounced pitch. {Rule 6.05 (b), 6.08(b)}
9. On a dropped third strike, the batter is not out if he immediately heads towards the dugout or his position on the field. The batter may attempt first base any time prior to entering the dugout or dead ball area. {Rule 6.09(b)}
10. On an overthrow, the runner is not awarded “the base he is going to plus one.” It is simply a two base award from the last base occupied at the time of the throw. If it is the first play by an infielder on a batted ball, the award is governed by the time of the pitch. The only time one base is awarded is when the ball is thrown by the pitcher from his position on the pitcher’s plate. {Rule 7.05}
11. A batter-runner is not required to turn right after overrunning first base to avoid being tagged out. The direction he turns is irrelevant as long as no attempt to advance is made and he returns immediately to the base. A fake is an attempt. {Rule 7.08(c & j)}
12. When a pitcher comes set, a line running through both shoulders is not required to be aimed directly at home plate. The angle at which the pitcher sets his shoulders is not restricted. The requirement is simply that after coming to a set position, to throw to a base the pitcher must first step toward that base, and to deliver a pitch, it must be done without alteration or interruption. After coming set, the pitcher is prohibited from turning his shoulders and pausing because this is a move that has either been interrupted or considered a fake. {Rule 8.00(b)}
13. The ball is not immediately dead on a balk. If a throw or pitch is made after the balk call, the ball is delayed dead. If all runners including the batter advance on a pitch (or just all runners on a throw) the balk is ignored. Otherwise, the balk award is made from the time of the pitch. {Rule 8.05 Penalty}
14. The home plate umpire cannot overrule another umpire’s call. The umpire who made the call may ask for help, but he cannot be overruled. {Rule 9.02(b &c)}