This quiz is offered  purely for fun, entertainment  and hopefully to help you  become better acquainted  with the nuances of the game.

Week 6

Question: 

There's no one on base and a batted ball strikes first base and then bounces into the dugout. What's the call? 

a. The ball is foul and the batter returns to bat.  

b. The ball is fair and the batter is awarded 2nd base. 

c. The ball is fair and the batter is awarded 1st base.

Answer:

b. The ball is fair and the batter is awarded 2nd base.

Week 5

Question: 

A delivery by the pitcher hits the ground in front of the plate and the umpire calls out "Ball." But the pitch skips over the plate and the batter slams it down the right-field line for a triple?  Is this a legal hit?

Answer:

Yes. The umpire erred in calling the pitch too soon. The batter may hit a pitch even though it first touches the ground. (5.03, 7.05a, 2.00 Definition of Ball).

Week 4

Question: 

A runner tries to steal second with no outs. On the pitch, the batter misses for a third strike and steps across the plate, interfering with the catcher's throw.  What is the proper call?

Answer:

The batter is out on strikes and the runner is called out because of the interference, giving the catcher an unassisted double-play. (7.09a, 7.09f)  Note: If the batter had had less than two strikes (i.e., had not struck out), the batter would have been called out for interference, and the runner would have been returned to first.

Week 3

Question: 

A hard grounder is booted by the first baseman and rolls into foul territory. The fielder, stepping across the base line to retrieve the ball, collides with the batter-runner, who reaches base safely.    Does this constitute interference by the runner?

Answer:

No. The fielder had a chance to field the ball before the contact.  (7.09l, 2.00-Obstruction).

Week 2

Question: 

Racing toward third base on a triple, the runner collides with an umpire who is in the base line. The runner falls and is tagged out.  Is the batter out?

Answer:

Yes, he's out. When a base runner collides with an umpire, this does not constitute interference and the ball remains in play. (2.00-Interference-c).

Week 1

Question: 

Is it legal to have 2 outfielders and 5 infielders besides the pitcher and catcher?

Answer:

Yes. Rule 4.03(c) states: "Except for the pitcher and catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory."