March 24, 2025
From: TASO Baseball Rules Interpreter
To: TASO Baseball Umpire Membership
Subject: Baseball Weekly Bulletin 25.2
I'm reading Joe Posnanski's book Why We Love Baseball, a collection of stories and anecdotes that highlight the joy of the game. It got me thinking about why I love baseball. There are many reasons, many moments, but I think it was summed up best while I was watching a game a few years ago, I don't even remember who was playing. There were two outs and a man on second, and a fly ball hit to the warning track that the center fielder caught on the run. Nothing spectacular, but a good catch. I said out loud, "I love this game." My wife asked why that particular play caused me to utter that. I said that it's because every play has potential. The size of the field, the number of defenders, and their positioning, mean that almost every ball put in play is playable, but almost any of them could drop for a hit. A lot has been said about the dimensions of the infield, and how they make almost every play close. Even a routine ground ball creates a close play at first (unless it's a catcher running, just kidding to you former catchers!). Almost every attempted steal is a close play at second or third. Every time the ball is put in play something exciting can happen. That's why I love baseball. It’s a great game played for great reasons. And high school is one of the greatest of reasons. Every game has potential.
Well, we have started the exciting period of our season as the games take on added dimensions and importance and potential. A couple of things have come up in the last few weeks so let’s get to it.
1). Ambidextrous Pitcher: I always felt in the back of my mind, that the rules regarding a pitcher who can pitch from both the left and the right side existed primarily so we could have a test question. I never encountered one in any of my games in my career, but we still had test questions on it. Well, I have learned that such a pitcher does exist. We had a game recently where a substitute pitcher came in to face a batter as a right handed pitcher. He took his eight warm-up pitchers with no issue and struck the next batter out. He then, legally, changed gloves to pitch to the next batter as a left hander and his coach “requested” he get his eight warm-up pitches as a left hander. As you can imagine, the opposing coach was somewhat vocal in his dissent and a great discussion (argument, spat, disagreement, debate) ensued. The stands gladly chimed in with great points and counter-points of safety, fairness, and keeping one’s day job being made. The umpires were not quite sure, so they decided to give him eight warm-up pitches as a left hander and move on with the game.
Well intended by the umpires, but not correct. An ambidextrous pitcher gets eight warm-ups from whatever side he wishes, but that is it. He doesn’t get eight more when he changes how he pitches. Hmm, might this become a test question?
2). Player Not listed as a Substitute: We have had multiple games lately where a player, that a coach wanted to put into the game, was not listed as substitute on the lineup card. In one game, the request was denied. In another game (hard to believe it happened but it did, just not in our state) the umpire told the coach he could “buy” him in by taking an out in the inning (the coach declined). And in the third game the umpire allowed it, which led to another chorus of “learn the rules,” “you won’t work here again,” and “I’ll take three pencils.” But by rule, an unlisted substitute may play in the game with no penalty.
The rule requiring substitutes to be listed was done to make it easier for the umpires when making changes on the lineup card. It helps us to not keep asking a coach, “now how do you spell that?” multiple times during a change. But it was intentionally written with no penalty provided. The committee didn’t want to keep a player, whom the coach didn’t put on the substitute list, from having an opportunity to play if the coach just forgot to put his name down, or if the jv game concluded early, or maybe his doctor’s appointment was canceled, or something else happened that enabled him to show up at the game unexpectedly. If the player is not listed, ask the coach how to spell his name, put him in and let’s go on.
3). Batter hit by a pitch: We have a couple of games this last week where the batter was hit by a pitch, went to the ground, and was not physically able to advance to first base. In both cases, the umpires denied a pinch runner and called the player out when the defense tagged him. They cited the part in Rule Five where, if an injury occurs during live ball, time shall not be called until no further advance or putout is possible (5-2-1d). This rule goes on to say that if there is a medical emergency or if, in the umpire’s judgment, further play could jeopardize the injured player’s safety, then “Time” shall be called. The umpires stated that the situation did not meet that part of the rule.
The only catch here, is in both cases we have an awarded base(s) to be made. Casebook play 5.2.1 Situation C tells us: “B1 (a) hits a home run over the fence or (b) receives a base on balls or, (c) is struck by a pitched ball. In each instance B1 is unable to reach the awarded base because of an injury sustained during the play. RULING: In (a), (b), (c), because bases are awarded, a pinch runner may replace the injured player and continue to the awarded bases. In (b), since the ball is live, the umpire has to call “Time.” Then the umpire will permit a substitute to run for the injured player.
In both games, a pinch runner should have been allowed to take the hit batter’s place and advance to first base.
4). Pitcher Substitution: We have had several game situations involving the substitution of a pitcher. Let’s take them one by one.
A. The relief pitcher comes in and takes his eight warm up pitches. Before facing a batter, the defensive coach realizes the pitcher has already reached his pitch count limit. RULING: The coach will be allowed to bring in another relief pitcher, who is entitled to eight warmup throws, with no penalty. We will not make the pitcher (who has reached his pitch count limit) face the batter by throwing a pitch (that might create later penalties for pitch count violation), or intentionally walking a batter to meet the requirement for a relief pitcher.
B. With the bases loaded, a left-handed pinch hitter is announced. The defensive coach brings in a left-handed pitcher. The offensive coach now brings in a right-handed pinch hitter. Can the defensive coach now substitute another pitcher? RULING: No, the relief pitcher must pitch to the batter then at bat (or any substitute for that batter) until that batter is put out or reaches first base, or until a third out has been made. At that point, the coach could bring in another relief pitcher. An intentional base on balls would satisfy the rule. Note, though, if the relief pitcher is incapacitated because of an injury, he may be replaced with the above requirement not being met, but that player cannot later return to the game as a pitcher.
C. In the top half of the first inning, the coach wants to pinch-hit for his pitcher. The plate umpire does not allow the substitution stating the pitcher has not faced his first batter and cannot be substituted until that takes place. RULING: A pinch-hitter may replace the pitcher in the top of the first inning while his team is at bat without penalty. If he does not re-enter in the bottom half of the inning, he may later re-enter to play another defensive position, but not to pitch.
5). Submittal of Incident Reports: Please continue to submit IRs on time. Per UIL request they are to be filed within 24 hours.
Plays from Last Bulletin:
1. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, a left-handed pinch hitter is announced. The defensive coach now brings in a left-handed pitcher. The offensive coach now brings in a right-handed pinch hitter. At this point, the defensive coach plans to intentionally walk this hitter. Following the walk, the offensive coach brings up another right-handed hitter. The defensive coach wants to return to the mound to make another pitching change. The offensive coach argues he can’t yet make a change. What do you say? May he change the pitcher? RULING: With our above discussion on pitcher substitution, the first relief pitcher satisfied the rule requirements when he intentionally walked the first batter he faced. The coach may bring in another relief pitcher.
2. With R1 on first and R2 on second and no outs, B3 has a 2-2 count. The pitcher inexplicably assumes the wind-up position and both runners take off for third base and second base respectively. At the moment the pitcher makes his first move to the plate, R1 is standing on second base, but R2 has not yet reached third base. The pitch is a curveball in the dirt that B3 swings at and misses. B3 takes off for first and is called safe by U1. The defensive coach argues that R1 still occupied first base and thus B3 should be out. The fans have a split decision. What do you rule? RULING: B3 is out. Since R2 has not yet acquired third base at the time of the pitch, R1 cannot legally acquire second base. Therefore, for this play, first base was still occupied by R1. R2 stays at third and R1 stays at second, but B3 is out.
Plays for next week: Both plays did happen in a game.
1. In the third inning Washington enters the game for Vince in the 7th spot in the lineup. Later, in the fifth inning, 5, 6, and 7 are due up to bat. Jones (legal hitter) pops out; Vince re-entered in the fourth inning, but comes to bat in the 6 hole and strikes out. Washington comes to bat in the 7th position in the lineup but flies out. The defensive coach, not sure what has just happened, goes to the plate umpire and appeals batting out of order. How do we rule?
2. Early in the game, the coach enters Smith to pinch hit, then after the inning is over, re-enters the starter. Later in the game, with a big lead, the coach puts all the players on the bench in the game, and Smith goes back to play center field. With a runner on third and first, Smith catches a fly ball and throws out the runner returning to first base while the runner on third scores. The offensive team coach comes to the plate umpire and asks how Smith can be in the game. What do we rule?
Please continue to send your questions and concerns. Again, thanks for your hard work. What you do matters.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
[email protected] 979-446-5522
March 10, 2025
From: TASO Baseball Rules Interpreter
To: TASO Baseball Umpire Membership
Subject: Baseball Weekly Bulletin 25.1
We are finishing up the third week of the 2025 High School Baseball season in Texas. We have seen both ends of the spectrum with regard to weather, and all points in between with starting the season and playing all the tournament games. The early games were most interesting, being played in weather that no one wanted. I saw players so bundled they could hardly run, and base umpires layered up to the extent they were indistinguishable from the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy. One innovative plate umpire, working in a tough wind chill, had gloves on such that anytime a coach gave him a lineup change, he handed his lineups and pen to the catcher to record. Whatever it takes, right? The first week or so was pretty quiet. We have more than made up for that lately.
1). Running Lane Interference: There have been a few questions on the Running Lane Rule, so let’s review the basics of the rule. For the rule to be called, these conditions must be in place:
a) the batter-runner, while running to first base during the last half of the distance to first, is outside of the running lane (at least one foot is outside the lane and not on the line);
b) is outside of the running lane on the side of the lane from which the throw is made (a throw must be made; the quality of the throw is not important);
c) the throw is made from an area “behind” the runner (a third baseman in a normal fielding position or throws from short or second would not be considered behind the runner on normal infield plays). While many of us would like a firm “black and white” diagram or definition of “behind the runner,” it is left to umpire judgment. Remember, one aspect of the rule is to not allow a batter-runner to gain an unfair advantage while advancing to first by running in a manner such that there is not a throwing lane to the first for the fielder.
Important aspects of the rule:
2). Runner Using Helmet to Touch Base:
I suspect many of us have seen this video that has been making the rounds. In this case, a runner cannot use equipment, not being worn properly, as an extension of his body or to extend one’s reach. In this instance, the runner would be called out. Had he been wearing his helmet properly, and slid into the base with his head touching the base, he would be safe (same as a runner with batting or sliding gloves properly on his hand touching a base).
3) Cold Weather Gear: Questions usually a rise during cold weather considering cold weather gear for the players. (They want a chance staying warm as we do). Toboggan hats or knit hats or skull hats with ear flaps, etc. may be worn under the baseball cap but not in place of the baseball cap. If the cap can stay on with the other hat under it, okay. Jackets, or hoodies, etc., may be worn under the uniform jersey but not over it. The only player allowed to wear a jacket over his uniform is the pitcher and he can only wear it on offense once he is on base. As to a cold weather mask, there is no rule preventing it, provided there is nothing on it that would be unsportsmanlike, profane, demeaning to the opponent etc. And as always, with a pitcher, it couldn't be white or gray or a color or pattern that is distracting to a batter. If it is very warm, ask them where they got it.
4)Slashing: We have had several questions that have asked if slashing is legal. No, it carries a five-minute penalty in the penalty box. Oh, wait, that’s hockey. I wasn’t quite sure what slashing is with regard to baseball, but apparently it is like a slug bunt or it is when a batter fakes a bunt with the bat and then pulls it back and swings at the pitch. This definition of slashing for baseball is okay; there is no rule against it. Just no swing your stick or bat at an opponent.
5) Sunglasses on Bill of the Cap: We have had a couple of occurrences where an umpire has not allowed a player to place his sunglasses on the bill of his cap. "Wear them or leave them in the dugout," has been the instruction. That requirement is not in the rulebook, so please don't create an issue where one does not exist. We don’t care.
6) Umpires: We have a couple of incidents in the last few weeks that bear some discussion.
I. There was a game involving a coach who had scratch listed some umpires. He had a game at an out-of-town tournament where one of the umpires was assigned his game. The coach insisted his team wouldn’t play that game with the specific umpire and wanted him removed. They paid the umpire to not officiate, and his partner worked the game by himself with extra pay.
If you have been assigned a game via the TASO Approved BB Assigning Procedures, you should work the game. Do not be intimidated or badgered into leaving. If the coach doesn’t want to play, that is his choice and he can explain it later to whoever asks him. But we should not leave that game and have our partner officiate the game using one-person mechanics. We all know how fun that is. There should be no one-person umpire games when we have two assigned.
II. There is a report of a game where an umpire and a coach were not having a great time with each other. Eventually, the coach was ejected from the game and he refused to leave. By rule, an ejected coach is to leave the vicinity of the playing area immediately. Failure to comply can result in a forfeit of the game. But when this happens, the umpires should leave and the game should not continue. In this game, the umpire who ejected the coach left when the coach wouldn’t leave, yet his partner stayed and finished the game. That simply cannot happen. In this instance, both umpires need to leave and let the District Committee, UIL, Officiating Chapter and TASO handle it from there.
Plays to Consider:
1. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, a left-handed pinch hitter is announced. The defensive coach now brings in a left-handed pitcher. The offensive coach now brings in a right-handed pinch hitter. At this point, the defensive coach plans to intentionally walk this hitter. Following the walk, the offensive coach brings up another right-handed hitter. The defensive coach wants to return to the mound to make another pitching change. The offensive coach argues he can’t yet make a change. What do you say? May he change the pitcher?
2. With R1 on first and R2 on second and no outs, B3 has a 2-2 count. The pitcher inexplicably assumes the wind-up position and both runners take off for third base and second base respectively. At the moment the pitcher makes his first move to the plate, R1 is standing on second base, but R2 has not yet reached third base. The pitch is a curveball in the dirt that B3 swings at and misses. B3 takes off for first and is called safe by U1. The defensive coach argues that R1 still occupied first base and thus B3 should be out. The fans have a split decision. What do you rule?
Please continue to send your questions and concerns. Thanks for your hard work. District play begins next week and many factors tighten up. Until then, have a good one.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
[email protected] 979-446-5522
March 10, 2025
From: TASO Baseball Rules Interpreter
To: TASO Baseball Umpire Membership
Subject: Baseball Weekly Bulletin 25.1
We are finishing up the third week of the 2025 High School Baseball season in Texas. We have seen both ends of the spectrum with regard to weather, and all points in between with starting the season and playing all the tournament games. The early games were most interesting, being played in weather that no one wanted. I saw players so bundled they could hardly run, and base umpires layered up to the extent they were indistinguishable from the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy. One innovative plate umpire, working in a tough wind chill, had gloves on such that anytime a coach gave him a lineup change, he handed his lineups and pen to the catcher to record. Whatever it takes, right? The first week or so was pretty quiet. We have more than made up for that lately.
1). Running Lane Interference: There have been a few questions on the Running Lane Rule, so let’s review the basics of the rule. For the rule to be called, these conditions must be in place:
a) the batter-runner, while running to first base during the last half of the distance to first, is outside of the running lane (at least one foot is outside the lane and not on the line);
b) is outside of the running lane on the side of the lane from which the throw is made (a throw must be made; the quality of the throw is not important);
c) the throw is made from an area “behind” the runner (a third baseman in a normal fielding position or throws from short or second would not be considered behind the runner on normal infield plays). While many of us would like a firm “black and white” diagram or definition of “behind the runner,” it is left to umpire judgment. Remember, one aspect of the rule is to not allow a batter-runner to gain an unfair advantage while advancing to first by running in a manner such that there is not a throwing lane to the first for the fielder.
Important aspects of the rule:
- Interference occurs at the moment of the throw. When the above conditions are met, at the time of the throw interference is called – the batter-runner is out and other runner(s) are returned to their base(s) occupied at the time of the throw.
- The running lane interference is not possible on throws made from first, etc., to home. The batter-runner on a throw to home, cannot be called out for running lane violation. He might interfere with the throw in the manner in which other runners can interfere with a throw, but not by out of the running lane.
2). Runner Using Helmet to Touch Base:
I suspect many of us have seen this video that has been making the rounds. In this case, a runner cannot use equipment, not being worn properly, as an extension of his body or to extend one’s reach. In this instance, the runner would be called out. Had he been wearing his helmet properly, and slid into the base with his head touching the base, he would be safe (same as a runner with batting or sliding gloves properly on his hand touching a base).
3) Cold Weather Gear: Questions usually a rise during cold weather considering cold weather gear for the players. (They want a chance staying warm as we do). Toboggan hats or knit hats or skull hats with ear flaps, etc. may be worn under the baseball cap but not in place of the baseball cap. If the cap can stay on with the other hat under it, okay. Jackets, or hoodies, etc., may be worn under the uniform jersey but not over it. The only player allowed to wear a jacket over his uniform is the pitcher and he can only wear it on offense once he is on base. As to a cold weather mask, there is no rule preventing it, provided there is nothing on it that would be unsportsmanlike, profane, demeaning to the opponent etc. And as always, with a pitcher, it couldn't be white or gray or a color or pattern that is distracting to a batter. If it is very warm, ask them where they got it.
4)Slashing: We have had several questions that have asked if slashing is legal. No, it carries a five-minute penalty in the penalty box. Oh, wait, that’s hockey. I wasn’t quite sure what slashing is with regard to baseball, but apparently it is like a slug bunt or it is when a batter fakes a bunt with the bat and then pulls it back and swings at the pitch. This definition of slashing for baseball is okay; there is no rule against it. Just no swing your stick or bat at an opponent.
5) Sunglasses on Bill of the Cap: We have had a couple of occurrences where an umpire has not allowed a player to place his sunglasses on the bill of his cap. "Wear them or leave them in the dugout," has been the instruction. That requirement is not in the rulebook, so please don't create an issue where one does not exist. We don’t care.
6) Umpires: We have a couple of incidents in the last few weeks that bear some discussion.
I. There was a game involving a coach who had scratch listed some umpires. He had a game at an out-of-town tournament where one of the umpires was assigned his game. The coach insisted his team wouldn’t play that game with the specific umpire and wanted him removed. They paid the umpire to not officiate, and his partner worked the game by himself with extra pay.
If you have been assigned a game via the TASO Approved BB Assigning Procedures, you should work the game. Do not be intimidated or badgered into leaving. If the coach doesn’t want to play, that is his choice and he can explain it later to whoever asks him. But we should not leave that game and have our partner officiate the game using one-person mechanics. We all know how fun that is. There should be no one-person umpire games when we have two assigned.
II. There is a report of a game where an umpire and a coach were not having a great time with each other. Eventually, the coach was ejected from the game and he refused to leave. By rule, an ejected coach is to leave the vicinity of the playing area immediately. Failure to comply can result in a forfeit of the game. But when this happens, the umpires should leave and the game should not continue. In this game, the umpire who ejected the coach left when the coach wouldn’t leave, yet his partner stayed and finished the game. That simply cannot happen. In this instance, both umpires need to leave and let the District Committee, UIL, Officiating Chapter and TASO handle it from there.
Plays to Consider:
1. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, a left-handed pinch hitter is announced. The defensive coach now brings in a left-handed pitcher. The offensive coach now brings in a right-handed pinch hitter. At this point, the defensive coach plans to intentionally walk this hitter. Following the walk, the offensive coach brings up another right-handed hitter. The defensive coach wants to return to the mound to make another pitching change. The offensive coach argues he can’t yet make a change. What do you say? May he change the pitcher?
2. With R1 on first and R2 on second and no outs, B3 has a 2-2 count. The pitcher inexplicably assumes the wind-up position and both runners take off for third base and second base respectively. At the moment the pitcher makes his first move to the plate, R1 is standing on second base, but R2 has not yet reached third base. The pitch is a curveball in the dirt that B3 swings at and misses. B3 takes off for first and is called safe by U1. The defensive coach argues that R1 still occupied first base and thus B3 should be out. The fans have a split decision. What do you rule?
Please continue to send your questions and concerns. Thanks for your hard work. District play begins next week and many factors tighten up. Until then, have a good one.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
[email protected] 979-446-5522
January 27, 2025
TO: All TASO Baseball Members
SUBJECT: TASO Baseball Online Videos are Now Available in Your Members Portal
To access the online clinics, go to www.taso.org and click on Login using your TASO ID# and your password, then scroll down to Baseball Required Clinics. Click Start Video, fillout the guestbook and click Play to Continue to advance through each module. To stop playing during a module, click the X in the upper right corner of the frame.
It is recommended not to use Safari browser, there are known issues that prohibit completion, Chrome, Edge and Firefox browsers work well.
There are 6 modules which all must be viewed completely, which will meet your Education Requirement for this season. When a module is completed, within 24 hours the box next to that module will be checked. If it is not checked one or both of the audio and slides viewed thresholds have not been met.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
TASO Baseball Division
TO: All TASO Baseball Members
SUBJECT: TASO Baseball Online Videos are Now Available in Your Members Portal
To access the online clinics, go to www.taso.org and click on Login using your TASO ID# and your password, then scroll down to Baseball Required Clinics. Click Start Video, fillout the guestbook and click Play to Continue to advance through each module. To stop playing during a module, click the X in the upper right corner of the frame.
It is recommended not to use Safari browser, there are known issues that prohibit completion, Chrome, Edge and Firefox browsers work well.
There are 6 modules which all must be viewed completely, which will meet your Education Requirement for this season. When a module is completed, within 24 hours the box next to that module will be checked. If it is not checked one or both of the audio and slides viewed thresholds have not been met.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
TASO Baseball Division