2018 Rule Changes
QUESTION: In high school, baseball only, batter-runner gains a base on balls walk and overruns first base. Upon returning to first base, defense tags batter-runner. Umpire rules runner safe. Correct call?
ANSWER: Safe is the proper call provided that the batter-runner made no attempt to advance to second base. Overrunning first base is permitted in this play. (Rule 8, Sec. 2, Art. 7).
QUESTION: In high school softball, base runners are on third and second, one out. Catcher requests an intentional walk to be awarded without any pitches being thrown. Umpire allows walk to be awarded. Correct call?
ANSWER: An intentional walk either prior to any pitch or during any pitch count is permitted. Last season, intentional walks were not awarded; pitches had to be thrown during the live ball play. This season, intentional walks are awarded without any pitches thrown during dead ball play. (Rule 2, Sec. 65, Art. 2; Rule 8-1-1c, Effect #2).
This feature will appear occasionally during baseball/softball season from now through October. It is designed to explain the rules and procedures for girls, boys and adults. Lynch is a member of the National Federation of State High School Officials (NFHS), National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), Hudson County Umpires Association (past president and softball cadet instructor) and former member of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). Lynch currently serves as the President of the Umpires Association of New Jersey (UANJ) and is the recipient of the NFHS / NJ Baseball Official of the year (2016). The high school season starts March 31.
