Baseball is a complex sport that often produces unusual plays that require a quick ruling from the umpires. When this occurs, the umpires refer to a rule book to make a decision on the outcome of the play. To form a standard in the rules, Major League Baseball publishes a rule book every year that outlines specific situations and rules.
Equipment Rules
Rule 1.00--Objective of the Game--outlines size restrictions on equipment such as gloves and bats. The bat must be made from one piece of solid wood that is smooth and round. It is restricted to 42 inches in length with a barrel diameter of no more than 2-3/4 inches. Most players apply pine tar to the handle of the bat for added grip. The pine tar is not allowed to extend more than 18 inches from the knob of the bat. There are size restrictions for the gloves of catchers, first basemen and fielders. The catcher's mitt is limited to 38 inches in circumference and 15-1/2 inches from top to bottom. The first baseman's glove must not exceed 12 inches from top to bottom and 8 inches across from the thumb to outer edge. All other fielders are limited to a glove no more than 12 inches from top to bottom.
Designated Hitter
Rule 6.00--The Batter--outlines rules regarding the use of a designated hitter. The designated hitter is used in the American League to replace the starting pitcher in the batting lineup. If there is a game between American League and National League teams, the designated hitter rule is only in effect during home games in a American League ballpark.
The Runner
Rule 7.00--The Runner--outlines the limitations regarding base runners. Runner interference, which occurs when a runner interferes with the defense, has special rules in pro baseball. A runner is called out for interference in certain situations such as the runner interfering with a fielder making a play on a batted ball, fails to avoid a fielder making a play on a batted ball or intentionally interferes with a ball thrown from a fielder.
Member Comments