[Rich Ives]

Because you have so much time and effort invested in learning the rules and their quirks, it is hard to mentally separate the parts that are actually in the book from the parts that are not. Also, at times, it can be difficult to string together the correct combination of rules to get to the correct answer. You really have to stop and think about it sometimes. Remember those case books? Why are they necessary if the answer is in the book?

Anyhow, without further ado:

These are common everyday situations, not esoteric ones.

1) Batter squares and bunts a pitch. The ball goes straight down, hits the plate, bounces up, and hits the batter on the arm while directly over the plate.

Out or Foul Ball?

What does the rule book say?

2) Pitcher from windup picks up his pivot foot, twists it, and places it parallel to and in contact with the rubber.

The rule book only says the pitcher may take one step back and one step forward with his free foot, so is the pivot foot move a balk, a nothing, or "Don't do that"?

No matter the answer, Where does the rule book say it?

3) Fielders other than the catcher are to be in fair territory "when the ball is put in play".

Once the umpire puts the ball in play, may they then move to foul territory or must they wait until the ball is a) hit; b) pitched; or c) other?

Where is it in the rule book?

4) On a rule book double, runners get two bases. We know it's from the time of the pitch, but where does it say it in the book?

5) Where does the book define the TOP?

6) A runner is out if he is hit by a batted ball before it passes a fielder. Where is "passes" defined? String theory or step and reach?

7) How often do you enforce 3.09? Why or why not?

8) How about the "three feet from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged" bit. Where does it say the runner makes his own baseline?

According to Roder's book title there's at least 92 more . . . .


p.s. From discussions I have read, I think you'll agree that calling the book strike zone will get you run out of town on a rail - with both managers helping.



p.p.s. Garth must not be feeling well as he offered a thought that might be somewhat in line with my thoughts.