Umpire Myths

A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.

• A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't matter how it gets to the batter. The batter may hit any pitch that is thrown.

The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.

• A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't matter how it gets to the batter. If the batter is hit by a pitch while attempting to avoid it, he is awarded first base.

If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is a fair ball.

• The position of the player's feet or any other part of the body is irrelevant. A ball is judged fair or foul based on the relationship between the ball and the ground at the time the ball is touched.

Tie goes to the runner.

• There is no such thing in the world of baseball umpiring. The runner is either out or safe.

If a batted ball hits the plate first its a foul ball.

• The plate is in fair territory. There is nothing special about it. If a batted ball hits it, it is treated like any other batted ball.

The hands are considered part of the bat.

• The hands are part of the person's body. If a pitch hits the batters hands, the ball is dead. A swing can result in a fair or foul ball dependant on where it goes.

What is a Balk?

• In the simplest sense, a balk is when the pitcher tries to intentionally deceive the hitter or runner.
• Since the umpire can’t read the pitcher’s mind, certain movements are considered deceptive and will be called a balk.