Start Learning and Stop Balking
There are only two legal pitching stances (pitcher’s feet) in the game of baseball. The set position and the windup position. Each stance has specific requirements in order to be legal. Many pitchers either have never been properly taught or are unable to understand the specific requirements for the rules regarding pitching stances.
The second most common balk infractions we all see, is the failure to come to a complete and discernable stop when in the set position.
These two pitching infractions result in balks, lots of balks. From runners advancing, runs being scored, and games being won or lost. When the penalty for an infraction (balk) has such significant implications on a game, one would think that coaches and players would want to completely understand, teach and apply that rule.
I know many players (especially younger players) have difficulty retaining information, and that plays a large part in younger pitcher’s frequent balks. But by the time player’s reach high school this should no longer be an excuse. By high school the frequency for balks mostly lays directly at the feet of pitching coaches.
Good pitching coaches equates to fewer balks. Poor pitching coaches cause many of the negative effects stated above, and more. Things like longer games, unnecessary arguments with umpires, ejections, unhappy fans and pitchers being allowed to pitch incorrectly.
Knowing the rules of pitching is not that difficult, but does require the desire and a little time. And teaching the rules of pitching to your pitchers should be every pitching coach’s priority. But, unfortunealty for too many coaches these things are too much to ask. Besides, it’s much easier (not really) to just blame an umpire for balks being called.
BRIBAW Instructional Video, High School Batter's Interference
Third to First move, “Busby move”, “53” or “31” move, NFHS
- Throughout a “Busby move”, when the pitcher’s pivot foot stays engaged with the rubber, and the pitcher does not complete a throw to 1st base;
Ruling:
This is a balk.
- Throughout a “Busby move”, when the pitcher’s pivot foot is disengaged from the rubber, and fails to throw to first base;
Ruling:
This is not a balk. It is legal for the pitcher to either throw or not throw to 1st base while disengaged.
Note 1: In NFHS baseball while engaged with the rubber it is legal for the pitcher to feint to either second or third base, but the pitcher must gain distance to the base and the base must be occupied.
Note 2: The Third to First move is referred to as a “Busby move”, this is attributed to KC Royals pitcher Steve Busby for being the first pitcher to use this pickoff move in MLB.
Note 3: Other slang terms for the Third to First move are “53” or “31”. These either denote the order the pitcher begins and ends his actions, according to players fielding position number i.e., 5 & 3, or the bases themselves 3 & 1.
Baseball Rules in Black and White TM ©
NFHS
Determining Set or Windup Pitching Positions
These are the only two legal pitching positions in NFHS
- Pitching regulations begin when the pitcher intentionally contacts the pitcher’s plate. HS Rule 6-1-1
- The position of the pitcher’s feet determines if he will pitch from the set or windup position. HS Rule 6-1-1
Additional keys that may establish a set pitching position:
a. The pitcher's non-pivot foot is in front of the front edge of the pitchers' rubber.
b. The pitcher’s shoulders should be (relatively) perpendicular with the pitching rubber.
c. The pitcher’s pitching hand will be either:
Down at their side. HS Rule 6-1-3
Behind their back. HS Rule 6-1-3
Additional keys that may establish a windup pitching position:
a. The pitcher's non-pivot foot will be either on the front edge of the pitcher's rubber or on an imaginary line extending out from the front edge.
Together in front of their body. HS Rule 6-1-2
Both at their side. HS Rule 6-1-2
Either hand in front of their body, while the other hand is at their side. HS Rule 6-1-2
2021 NFHS Designated Hitter Lineup Options
- At the pre-game it is important for coaches to clearly state to the umpires which of these three options they are using.
2. When a starting lineup has a defensive player/designated hitter in the lineup, it is a nine-player lineup.
3. When a starting lineup doesn’t have a non-batting defensive player or a defensive player/designated hitter in the lineup, it is a straight-nine lineup and a designated hitter cannot be used in the game.
Note #2: Important, in a nine-player DP/DH line up only the starting DP/DH can be the DH.
Note #3: When the nine-player DP/DH lineup is being used and a substitute enters as a new non-batting DP / defensive player, the nine-player DP/DH lineup converts to a ten-player DP/DH lineup.
Note #4: Should the starting DP/DH re-enter in a defensive role, the ten-player DP/DH lineup reverts back to a nine-player DP/DH lineup.
Note #5: The starting DP/DH, a re-entering starting DP/DH or any legal substitute can be the DP/defensive player.
Note #6: NFHS has determined that a courtesy runner is not allowed for the DH when using the nine-player DP/DH lineup. Check with your own state association regarding this ruling.
Nine-player DP/DH,
● The coach may choose to use a nine-player DP/DH lineup and select any player to be both the DH and play defense. HS Rule 3-1-4-b
Example: Tommy Jones in the four spot is both, the shortstop and the designated hitter, aka DP/DH.
● A legal substitute may replace the defensive player/DP. HS Rule 3-1-4-b
Example: Billy Smith comes off the bench and enters the game as the new non-batting shortstop, creating a ten-player DP/DH lineup.
Explanation: A starting DP/DH can have substitutes enter as a non-batting defense player/DP and the starting DP/DH would remain as the batting DH, this creates a ten-player lineup
● Any starting player may re-enter once., HS Rule 3-1-3
Example: Tommy Jones the starting DP/DH re-enters for non-batting DP Billy Smith.
Explanation: The starting DP/DH can re-enter once as a DP. The ten-player lineup reverts back to a nine-player lineup when the starting DP/DH re-enters as the DP, again becoming a DP/DH.
Nine-player DP/DH Lineup is Terminated When:
● The DH is terminated in nine-player DP/DH line up, the following two ways for the remainder of the game when:
1. A substitute or prior substitute for the defensive player in a ten-player DP/DH lineup plays an offensive role. HS Rule 3-1-4-b-1
Example: A substitute playing the defensive player in the ten-player DP/DH lineup becomes a pinch runner.
Explanation: When the ten-player DP/DH defensive player enters any offensive role, the DH is terminated for the remainder of the game.
2. A legal substitute either hits or runs for a starting DP/DH. HS Rule 3-1-4-b-2
Example: A legal substitute pinch runs or bats for the starting DP/DH, in the nine-player DP/DH lineup.
Explanation: When a legal substitute enters any offensive role for the starting nine-player DP/DH, the DH is terminated for the remainder of the game
Nine-player DP/DH Rulings
● A designated hitter will be selected prior to the start of the game and his name listed on the initial lineup card. HS Rule 3-1-4
● Any (starting player) may be a designated hitter, not just the pitcher. HS Rule 3-1-4
The designated hitter can continue to bat for any substitutes, who replace the original (defensive player, DP). HS Rule 3-1-4
● A team cannot use a designated hitter if he is not listed on the starting lineup prior to the game. HS Rule 3-1-4
Catcher's Obstruction
R2 & R3 on base, then on the batter’s swing catcher’s obstruction happens:
Umpire calls time, then awards batter runner 1st base and returns R2 & R3 to bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
“It is important for the coach to know this specific portion of the rule” , he must immediately discuss his options with the umpire and then chose to either:
1. Let the play stand.
2. Award the batter runner 1st base and return runners to their bases at the time of the pitch.
R3 on base, then on the batter’s swing catcher’s obstruction happens:
Umpire calls time, then awards batter runner 1st base and returns the runner who scored to third base.
“It is important for the coach to know this specific portion of the rule”, he must immediately discuss his options with the umpire and then chose to either:
1. Let the play stand.
2. Award the batter runner 1st base and return the runner to his base at the time of the pitch.
Catcher's Obstruction Rulings
- Any time a catcher interferes with the batter’s swing, the umpire will immediately point and verbalize “that’s catcher’s obstruction” and then let play continue.
- When catcher’s obstruction takes place if base runner(s) are stealing on the pitch, those stolen bases stand.
- After catcher’s obstruction, if the batter runner and all other runners advance one base, the obstruction is ignored and the ball stays live.
Catcher's Obstruction Scenarios
No runners on base then on the batter’s swing, catcher’s obstruction happens:
Batter runner is safe at 1st base.
Catcher’s obstruction is ignored.
If the batter runner is put out.
Umpire calls time, then he awards batter runner 1st base.
If the batter runner is safe at 1st base, but attempts to advance to 2nd base and is tagged out.
R1 is out.
R1 on base, then on the batter’s swing catcher’s obstruction happens:
If both the batter runner and R1 reach their bases safely.
Catcher’s obstruction is ignored.
If the batter runner is put out and R1 reaches 2nd base safely.
Umpire calls time, then he awards batter runner 1st base.
If the batter runner is safe at 1st base and R1 is put out before reaching 2nd base.
Umpire calls time, then he awards R1 2nd base.
If the batter runner and R1 are both put out.
Umpire calls time, then he awards the batter runner 1st base and R1 2nd base.
If the batter runner is safe at 1st base, but R1 tags 2nd base, then goes past the base and is tagged while off 2nd base.
Umpire ignores the catcher’s obstruction and R2 is out.
R1 & R2 on base, then on the batter’s swing catcher’s obstruction happens:
If the batter runner is safe at 1st base and R1 and R2 are put out trying to advance.
Umpire calls time, then he awards R1 2nd base & R2 3rd base.
If the batter runner is put out and R1 & R2 safely advance.
Umpire calls time, then he awards batter runner 1st base.
Become a Better Baseball Coach
Coaches, are you unclear “have doubt” as to the rules of your rule set and their accurate interpretations?
Coaches, do you assume player’s past playing experience has taught them the rules adequately?
Coaches, do you frequently find yourself in arguments with officials, being given official warnings or ejections due to rule interpretations?
Coaches, do you frequently have doubts about a ruling on the field, but let the ruling stand because you lack baseball rule knowledge?
Coaches, do you find baseball rule book language and formatting confusing, arbitrary and frustrating?
I’m going to guess if you are like many coaches "and everyone else in baseball" you probably answered yes to over half, if not all of these questions. If so, you took the first step to becoming a better baseball coach, by recognizing the problem. Now you’re probably asking yourself what is the second step to fix these problems and how timely, costly and difficult is the solution.
You can fix these problems and immediately begin to understand and retain the complicated rules of baseball. Over a short period of time, working at your own schedule you will begin to noticeably improve your understanding and gain confidence in your overall baseball rule knowledge. The difficulty factor? On a one to five scale, five being the most difficult this task is a one. The cost? Nothing, it’s free. 100% free.
You can be a better baseball coach quickly, easily and without expense simply by downloading Baseball Rules in Black and White “free” App.
What Baseball Rules in Black and White “free” App can do for You!
- You will easily understand our baseball rule language.
- You will quickly locate hundreds of infractions and rulings from three rule sets, OBR, NCAA & NFHS.
- You will easily find pertinent related rulings following the initial infraction.
- You will watch videos of the more complicated infractions.
Download the top rated Baseball Rules in Black and White "free" App at
World Series Three-foot Running Lane Fireworks
Two years straight the (three-foot running lane) took center stage on the game’s biggest stage, the World Series. This year's game six, seventh inning with one runner on, Trea Turner’s swinging bunt to the third baseman set the wheels in motion for all fireworks complete with an ejection. Turner failed to put one foot in the running lane the entire distance, had he kept both feet in the running lane and the same contact was made, he would have been safe. This play clearly illustrates why in the World Series or High School Baseball, every runner should run in the three-foot running lane.
The Batter-Runner is Out When:
- He steps outside the (three-foot running lane) with an entire foot during the last half of the distance from home plate to first base and he interferes with a fielder or throw. HS Rule 8-4-1-g, Pg.53, 8-4-1-g-2, Pg.53
Exception: Running and stepping
outside the three-foot running lane is ignored when:
1. It is to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. HS Rule 8-4-1-g-1, Pg. 53
2. The batter-runner does not interfere with a fielder or a throw. HS Rule 8-4-1-g-1, Pg. 53
Two Points
First, the three-foot run lane is not an infraction or violation. It is a 3' x 45' lane beginning the last half the distance to first base that continues to first base, it is only a designated area. This area is provided so the batter-runner can use it. It is a safe lane for the batter-runner to run in, to prevent interfering or colliding with the defense.
When the batter-runner fails to use the three-foot running lane, is when the batter-runner becomes most susceptible to being called out for an offensive (running lane) interference infraction. The play from this year’s world series vividly illustrates and supports this point.
Second, player safety and sportsmanship should be the priority in High School baseball, this is very relevant pertaining to the three-foot running lane. Teaching the batter-runner to run on or straddling the foul line in the three-foot lane may be considered good aggressive coaching, it also can create serious collisions and injuries.
Batter-runners at full speed colliding with a defensive player can cause career ending collisions. When players are taught why and how to use the three-foot run lane everyone wins, it reduces controversy and it can prevent serious injuries. While getting on base, scoring and winning the game are important, none of them are more important than the health and future of a young player.
Now Lets See What Happens When a Runner Stays In the Three-foot Running Lane
"Catch"
Definition of a "Catch"
There are 2 requirements in order for a catch to be ruled an out.
1. The defensive player must have secure possession of the ball with his glove or hand. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
2. The defensive player must remove the ball from his glove. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
This second requirement
constitutes “continuing action” which
signifies the catch is completed.
If after completing requirements 1. & 2. and then the ball is dropped, it will be ruled a catch. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
This same definition of a catch also applies when making a double play. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
- A catch is the act of a fielder securing possession of a live ball in flight in his hand or glove while firmly holding it. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Exception: It is not a catch if the player uses his cap, protector, mask, pocket or other parts of his uniform to trap the ball. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
- After the ball is in the defensive players glove and he stops, then removes the ball from his glove and then drops the ball, it is still considered a catch. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
This is the same definition of a catch when the defense is attempting a double play. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
- It is a catch if the fielder catches a fair or foul ball then steps or falls into a dead ball area. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Note: Running against is not considered falling into a dead ball boundary. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
- A foul tip is a legal catch when it goes directly into the catcher’s hands (glove). HS Rule 2-16-2, Pg. 19
Exception: It is not a catch if the player uses his cap, protector, mask, pocket or other parts of his uniform to trap the ball. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Definition of when a Fly Ball is not a Catch
- It is not a catch of a fly ball until the defensive player’s continuing action is completed. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Example #1: A fly ball is not a catch when the ball is in the fielder’s glove and while at full speed continues several more steps and then drops the ball from his glove. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Example #2: A fly ball is not a catch when the ball is in the fielder’s glove and he runs into a wall or player and drops the ball. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
- It is not a catch when a fielder touches a batted fly ball which then contacts an offensive player or umpire and is then caught by the defense. HS Rule 2-9, Pg. 17 & 18
Fielder Intentionally Drops a Fly Ball
- Any infielder intentionally drops a fair fly, line drive or bunt in flight with first base occupied (force situation) and less than two outs:
1. The ball is immediately dead. HS Rule 5-1-Dead ball Table-Activity 19, Pg. 36, HS Rule 8-4-1-c, Pg.53
2. The batter-runner is out. HS Rule 8-4-1-c, Pg.53
3. Runner(s) will return to their bases. HS Rule 8-4-1-c, Pg.53
Fielder Allows Fly Ball to Drop Untouched
- If the infielder allows a fair fly, line drive or bunt in f light to drop untouched to the ground, the batter is not out. HS Rule 8-4-1-c-1, Pg.53
"Obstruction - Runner" NFHS Rule Set
Obstruction during a run down
- Obstruction is a delayed dead ball. Let the play finish. HS Rule 2-22-1, Pg. 21, HS Rule 5-1-Delayed Dead Ball Table Activity #4, Pg. 37
- The runner who is obstructed while advancing or returning will be awarded one additional base from the last base legally touched. HS Rule 8-3-2, Pg. 51
Obstruction by blocking a base or plate without the ball
- It is obstruction when a defensive player without the ball prevents the runner access to a base that he is trying to attain. HS Rule 2-22-3, Pg. 21
Obstruction subtle and obvious
- When a runner is tripped, knocked down , brushed on his arm or his path is altered by a defensive player in his path it is obstruction. HS Rule 2-22-1, Pg. 21
Obstruction Award
- When a runner appears to be out after being obstructed, the umpire can rule him safe runner or award additional bases they would have reached if the obstruction had not happened. HS Rule 8-3-2, Pg. 51
After a runner is obstructed and he safely reaches or is awarded his base(s) or beyond , the obstruction is ignored. HS Rule 8-3-4, Pg. 52
After a runner is obstructed and the umpire judges the runner has attained the bases as if the obstruction not occurred, then the runner attempts to advance further and is tagged out, this out stands. HS Rule 8-3-4, Pg. 52
"Batter's Interference" NFHS Rule Set
Simply leaning over home plate when a catcher is attempting to make a play is illegal. HS Rule 7-3-5-a, Pg. 45
When a batter's follow-through swing interferes with a catcher's attempt to make a play. HS Rule 7-3-5-c, Pg. 45
Not making a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is a throw to home plate, while there was time for the batter to move away. HS Rule 7- 3-5-d, Pg. 45
- When there are two outs and there is Batter's Interference:
The batter is always out. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
- With less than two outs and the play is at first, second, or third base:
It is a delayed dead ball, let the play finish. HS Rule 5-1-Delayed Dead Ball Table-Activity #1, Pg.37
When the (attempt to put out a runner) is
not successful:
It becomes an immediate dead ball. HS Rule 5-1-2-a-1, Pg. 38
The batter is called out. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
All runners return to bases
occupied
at the time of
pitch. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty,
Pg.
45
- With less than two outs and the attempt to put out the runner is successful, the batter's interference is ignored. HS Rule 7-3-5-Penalty, Pg. 45
- After batter’s interference and the initial attempt to put out the runner is unsuccessful, no additional play is allowed. HS Rule 5-1-Delayed Dead Ball Table-Penalty #1 Pg. 37, HS Rule 5-2-2-a, Pg. 39
- When there is a play at home and less than two outs the runner is always out (tagged or not). HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
A. If the runner coming home is tagged out on the play:
The interference is ignored. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
The ball remains live. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
B. If the runner coming home is not tagged out on the play.
Time is called. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
The runner is called out. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
- If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire’s judgment the batter’s interference at any base or at home plate prevented a double play, additional outs can be ruled. HS Rule 7-3-5-penalty, Pg. 45
NFHS Rule Set Three-Foot Running Lane & Offensive (Runner's) Interference
Applying the High School Rule Set to the Above Video
As the batter-runner enters the running lane he is keeping both feet on the foul line, which is completely legal.
The batter-runner reaches half-way into the running lane, now both of his feet are in fair territory (out of the running lane) as he continues towards first base.
The first baseman initially misplays the ball, but the ball stays within a reach of the fielder. Because the ball stays within a reach of the defensive player after the initial attempt was misplayed, the defensive player is still protected from interference.
In the video the batter-runner interferes (contacts and tangles) with the first baseman preventing him from fielding the (within reach) misplayed ball, as the batter-runner then stumbles through and on to first base.
This play showcases how the violation of offensive (runner's) interference takes place, while the batter-runner could have used the three-foot running lane.
Any Runner is Out When:
- He interferes with a defensive player who has misplayed the initial attempt, but the defensive player moves less than a step and a reach to recover the misplayed ball and the runner interferes. HS Rule 8-4-2-g, Pg. 54
- He interferes with a throw, thrown ball or hinders a fielder’s initial attempt to field a batted ball that runner is out. HS Rule 8-4-2-g, Pg. 54, HS Rule 5-1-Dead Ball Table, Penalty #7, Pg. 36
It is an immediate dead ball. HS Rule 5-1-Dead Ball Table, Activity #7, Pg. 36
All other runners return to bases occupied at the time of the interference. HS Rule 8-2-9, Pg. 49
The Batter-Runner is Out When:
- He steps outside the three-foot running lane with an entire foot during the last half of the distance from home plate to first base and he interferes with a fielder or throw. HS Rule 8-4-1-g, Pg.53, 8-4-1-g-2, Pg.53
Exception: Running and stepping outside the three-foot running lane is ignored when:
1. It is to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. HS Rule 8-4-1-g-1, Pg. 53
2. The batter-runner does not interfere with a fielder or a throw. HS Rule 8-4-1-g-1, Pg. 53
Two Points
First point, the three-foot run lane is not an infraction or violation. It is a 3' x 45' lane beginning the last half the distance to first base that continues to first base, it is only a designated area. This area is provided so the batter-runner can (not must) use it. It is a safer lane for the batter-runner to run, to avoid interfering or colliding with the defense. When the batter-runner fails to use the three-foot running lane, is when the batter-runner becomes more susceptible to be called out for an offensive (runner's) interference infraction. The above video vividly illustrates and supports this point.
Second point, player safety and sportsmanship at all times should be the priority in High School baseball, this is very relevant pertaining to the three-foot running lane. Teaching the batter-runner to run on or straddling the foul line in the three-foot lane and to the inside of first base may be considered good aggressive coaching, it also can create serious collisions and injuries.
Batter-runners at full speed colliding with a defensive player trying to field a ball, catch a throw or cover a base can cause career ending collisions. Coaches who teach players what the three-foot running lane is and how it should be correctly used, understand both the benefits of doing so and the consequences of not.
When players are taught why and how to use the three-foot run lane everyone wins, it reduces controversy and it can prevent serious injuries. While getting on base, scoring and winning the game are important, none of them are more important than the health and future of a young player.
This e-article prepared for the National High School Coaches Association weekly newsletter .
