The game of baseball has a great many rules defined by Major League Baseball and a number of penalties that may be applied when those rules are violated. Players, managers, coaches, trainers, bat boys and even the umpires themselves may be subject to penalties, which vary based on the severity of the offense.
Balls and Outs
A player's actions may result in automatic outs or bases being awarded to players from the opposing team. If a pitcher balks--performs an illegal movement while there are runners on base--all runners advance one base. When a pitcher hits a batter at the plate, either accidentally or intentionally, the batter advances to first.
The umpire may call interference if a person on the field impedes game play. A batter or base runner who causes interference may be automatically called out, and he may be awarded a free base if interference is caused by a member of the defensive team, such as the catcher.
Ejection
Unsportsmanlike behavior can get a player or staff member ejected, requiring him to leave the playing field. Offenses that warrant ejection include arguing with an umpire about balls and strikes, using foul language, assaulting another person on the field or failing to adhere to a warning given by an umpire for prior behavior. A person who has been ejected can't return to the field or participate in any way with the remainder of the game.
Fines
Umpires are required to report ejections, or disqualifications, to the president of the league, who can impose additional penalties, such as fines. A player who repeatedly violates a rule can be fined for his actions, as can a pitcher who intentionally throws at a batter despite warnings from an umpire.
Fines aren't just relegated to events that occur during a game; they can also be imposed for antics that occur off the field. A person who commits a crime, such as assault, or causes accidental or intentional injury to another may be subject to a fine. Someone who tests positive for recreational drugs or makes defamatory statements about a player, umpire or journalist can also be fined.
Suspension
Players can be suspended for several games for breaking the rules. A pitcher who defaces or applies a foreign substance to the ball faces an automatic suspension. Players who test positive for performance-enhancing drugs will be suspended, with the length of the suspension increasing for repeated offenses. A team member who fails to pay a previously imposed fine within the five-day time limit is suspended from play until the fine is paid.
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