5 Baseball Rules That Surprise Even Diehard Fans
While baseball may seem like a straightforward game, there are some lesser-known rules that can catch even the most dedicated fans by surprise. Here are five quirky rules that you might not know:
- The "Infield Fly Rule": If a catchable, pop-up fly ball is hit while there are fewer than two outs and runners on first and second or the bases are loaded, no infielder can make a force play.
- The "Balk": A balk occurs when the pitcher makes an illegal motion while a runner is on base. Common balks include stepping off the rubber without making a pitch, feinting a throw, or starting the wind-up and then stopping.
- The "Mercy Rule": If one team is leading by 10 or more runs after five innings or 15 runs after four innings, the game is automatically ended.
- The "Double Play": A double play occurs when two outs are recorded on a single play. The most common types of double plays are ground balls hit into a force out at second and then thrown to first for the second out, or a ground ball hit to the shortstop who throws to second for the force out and then throws to first for the second out.
- The "Hidden Ball Trick": This rare but controversial play occurs when a fielder intentionally drops a batted ball that has hit the ground, hides it, and tags a runner out with it.
Related Questions:
- What is the penalty for a balk? A walk is awarded to the runner on base.
- What happens if a runner is tagged out with a hidden ball? The runner is out and the play is dead.
- What is the infield fly rule designed to prevent? A fielder from intentionally dropping a pop-up fly ball to get a double play.
- What is the maximum number of runs a team can score in a single inning? There is no maximum number of runs that a team can score in an inning.
- What is the purpose of the mercy rule? To prevent lopsided games from dragging on.
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- Wilson A200 Baseball Glove
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger Omaha Baseball Bat
- Easton Game Ready Batting Helmet
- Under Armour Yard Batting Gloves
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