Rule Myths
3. If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it’s a strike.
This could be one of the criterion in which you judge if he swung or not. The best statement you can make when asked about a check swing is that he attempted or did not attempt to swing at the pitch. Other criterion might be that the barrel of the bat goes past the middle of the batter’s body or not. One other criterion might be that the bat crossed the middle of the plate.
Most veterans do not use any physical point (wrists, bat, hips). We simply determine if the batter offered at the pitch.
4. If a batted ball hits the plate first it’s a foul ball.
To rule it foul it must have come to rest in foul territory or be touched in foul territory.
Why not say why the ball is not foul for hitting or coming to rest on the plate? The plate is in fair territory. The foul lines come don to the plate and form the outside edge of home plate. This is important for rookies to know because they are going to have to explain it to dumb coaches!
5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in the batter’s box.
The batter’s actions are what causes interference and not necessarily where he is. In the batter’s box, if he does nothing out of the ordinary, it is more difficult to commit batter interference but it is possible.
There are also situations where the batter cannot just disappear! Again, very important for a rookie to know.
6. The ball is dead on a foul-tip.
The ball is always live on a foul tip. Therefore runners may be put out or advance at their own risk on a foul tip.
You need to explain what a foul tip is. Rookies watch baseball games where announcers call every ball fouled back a foul tip.
7. The batter may not switch batter’s boxes after two strikes.
The batter may switch batter’s boxes at any time while the ball is dead.
The batter can switch anytime as long as F1 hasn't come set.
10. The batter is out if he starts for the dugout before going to first after a dropped third strike.
The batter is out if he leaves the dirt circle around the plate area after a dropped 3rd strike unless he is making an attempt to reach 1st base.
This is a pro rule interpretation.