Please Help Me Clear These Up

[bobbybanaduck]

First time poster, long time reader. I am going into coaching this year and wanted to clear up a few things I have taken note of so far in the MLB games I've watched this season.... I know MLB rules don't = the rules I will be coaching under, but for the most part they are common.

#1 - I saw an umpire call a "ball" twice on a pitcher for licking his fingers. The commentator mentioned he can't do this on the mound? Is this correct? Can he do it off the mound? I think the umpire was named Diaz. Can't lick on the mound. Can lick off the mound, but have to wipe after.

#2 - Can an infield fly be called on a bunt that pops up high into the air? there can never be an infield fly on a bunt.

#3 - Why do they always show the side TV angle on half-swings? Is it true that the bat has to cross the plate to be a strike on a check swing? I can't find a rule reference for this. What happens if a guy is way at the back of the box? they show the side angle because it's as close as they can get to what the base umpire is looking at. crossing the plate has nothing to do with it. the ruling is whether or not the batter committed to his swing in an attempt to hit the pitch.

#4 - Does the pitcher have to have his entire foot on the pitching rubber or just part of it? just part of it.

#5 - How far is the batters box away from the plate? 6 inches.

#6 - If a player hits the ball twice with his bat, is he out? Is it foul? if he is still in the box it is foul. if he is out of the box he is out.

#7 - What happens if the runner runs out of that first baseline lane to avoid a first baseman attemting to catch an errant throw... but then the batter gets hit by the ball? Is it interference on the batter? it must be a true throw. do not reward the defense for a bad throw.

#8 - What is the process for appeals? It is common to see the pitcher set, step off, and throw to the base... but I can't find a reference for this either. while the ball is in play the defense can appeal. the ball does not have to go back to the mound unless time has been called.

#9 - Do teams have to have a 1st base and 3rd base coach at all times? yes.

Thanks a lot for some help. I want to make sure I am teaching my guys the correct rules.

I really appreciate any help.