2015 Baseball Exam I

NOTE: In the exam situations, F refers to a Fielder, B refers to a Batter, and R refers to a Runner. All situations and acts are legal, and
no errors or mistakes are involved unless otherwise noted.
1. Provided a ground rule does not supersede a rules book, it becomes in force when:
A: Both coaches agree to the proposed ground rules.
B: The umpires formulate the ground rules if the teams cannot agree.
C: Only the umpires can create the ground rules for the game.
D: Both A and B.

2. The State association has adopted the 10-run rule for all games played in the state. In the bottom of the fifth inning, the home
team leads 9-0 and the fifth batter hits a grand slam home run.
A: The game ends with the score 10-0, home team.
B: The game continues with the score 13-0.
C: The game ends with the score 13-0, home team.
D: The game must continue one more inning.

3. R1 is attempting to score when the catcher, without the ball, is blocking home plate allowing R1 no access to score. R1 runs
over the catcher and the umpire correctly calls malicious contact. The umpire will:
A: Declare R1 out and eject.
B: Allow R1 to score on obstruction and then eject.
C: Return R1 to third base.
D: Eject the catcher for obstructing R1.

4. A bat that has been altered or defaces a ball is an illegal bat.

A: True
B: False

5. Any question regarding the legality of a player's equipment:

A: shall be resolved by the player's respective head coach.
B: Shall be resolved by the concurrence of both head coaches.
C: Shall be resolved by the umpire-in-chief.
D: Shall be resolved by the concurrence of the opposing head coach and the umpire-in-chief.

6. If a thrown ball is touched with an illegal glove or mitt, and is discovered by the umpire, the coach may choose to take the
result of the play or the award of:
A: Four bases.
B: Three bases.
C: Two bases.
D: One base.

7. If loose equipment interferes with play, the umpire may, based on his judgment and the circumstances of the play:
A: Call an out(s).
B: Award bases.
C: Return runners.
D: A, B, and C.

8. It is mandatory that a team, when on offense, utilize it's on-deck circle.

A: True
B: False

9. Lineups become official when:

A: The head coaches hand their respective lineups to the umpire-in-chief.
B: They have been exchanged, verified, and then accepted by the umpire-in-chief.
C: The plate umpire says “Play Ball.”
D: The two head coaches hand their lineup cards to each other.
10. When the dugout area is temporarily extended:
A: The home team may only extend its dugout and not the visitor's.
B:It may be extended toward home plate if agreed by all parties.
C: It is never legal to extend the dugout area.
D: It shall be extended towards the outfield on a line parallel to the foul line, equally applied for both teams.

11. A fair ball is a batted ball which:

A: First falls on fair ground on or beyond first or third base.
B: Is over fair ground when it leaves the field over the fence.
C: While on or over fair territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, their clothing or equipment.
D: A, B, and C.

12. A fake tag is an act by a defensive player without the ball that simulates a tag and:
A: Is considered obstruction.
B: Requires a warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender on that team shall be ejected.
C: Is considered a legal play.
D: A and B

13. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher's hands and:
A: Is legally caught by the catcher.
B: Is legally caught by the catcher or any fielder.

14. A line drive is a batted bal which:

A: Rises an appreciable height above the ground.
B: Travels parallel, or nearly so, with the ground for most of its flight.

15. An illegal substitute is:

A: A player who enters the game without reporting.
B: A player who re-enters the game in the wrong position in the batting order.
C: Any player who re-enters the game: one any player is removed he can never re-enter the game.
D: A, B, and C.

16. An infield fly is a fair fly that is hit before there are two outs and at a time when at least first and second bases are occupied
and:
A: Can be a line drive.
B: Can be an attempted bunt
C: Can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort.
D: Must be over the area of infield grass.

17. If a batter crouches or leans over to make the shoulder line lower, the umpire shall adjust the strike zone accordingly.
A: True
B: False

18. It is legal for a fielder to catch a batted ball for an out by using his cap to secure the ball.
A: True
B: False

19. Obstruction is an act by a fielder or any member of the defensive team and:
A: Must be intentional
B: Can only be a physical act.
C: Hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play.
D: A, B, and C.

20. Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat:

A: That can be either physical or verbal and interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any feilder attempting to
make a play.
B: That created malicious contact with any fielder regardless of whether the fielder had the ball or was in or out of the
baseline.
C: When a coach physically assists a runner during playing action.
D: A, B, and C
21. To “intentionally” give a batter a base on balls:
A: The pitcher must throw four pitches out of the strike zone.
B: The catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base before the first pitch to the batter.
C: The catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base on any ball and strike count.
D: Both B and C.

22. When a pitcher delivers and illegal pitch, it is not considered a pitch because the ball became dead at the time of the
infraction.
A: True
B: False

23. A coach may have in his possession while in a coach's box:

A: Stopwatch, smartphone with scorekeeping capability, and rules book.
B: Stopwatch, hard copy of a rules book, and a scorebook.
C: Stopwatch, tablet computer with scorekeeping capability and stored copy of rules book.
D: Any object that will assist the coach with his duties.

24. A defensive charged conference is held at the pitching mound with the head coach and all the infielders. The conference is
considered to be concluded when:
A: One of the players initially starts to return to his position.
B: The coach leaves the area of the pitching mound.
C: The coach crosses the foul line.
D: The coach provides instructions to the outfield.

25. An illegal substitute may be discovered by:

A: The umpire.
B: His own team.
C: The opposing team.
D: A, B, and C.

26. Failure to declare a designated hitter prior to the game precludes the use of the designated hitter in that game,.
A: True
B: False

27. If a coach were to use video monitoring or replay equipment for coaching purposes during the course of the game:
A: He shall be ejected.
B: He shall be warned by the umpire and ejected if he does it again.
C: He shall be restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.
D: It is legal for a coach to use video monitoring or replay equipment for coaching purposes.

28. If a pitcher is replaced as a pitcher and his replacement requires more warm-up throws than is permitted:
A: He may not return to the game even if he is eligible to do so.
B: His replacement cannot be allowed to exceed the allowed number of warm-up throws.
C: He may return to the game if he is eligible to do so, but not to pitch.
D: He may still return to the game to pitch if he is eligible to do so.

29. If a player who is bleeding must leave the game for appropriate treatment, the re-entry rule is suspended and he may return
to the game regardless of any prior substitution made for him.
A: True
B: False

30. If an illegal player on defense is involved in a play, the team on offense has the option to let the play stand or to allow the
batter to bat again, provided the infraction is discovered:
A: Prior to the pitch to the next batter of either team.
B: Before the third out of the half inning is declared.
C: Before all infielders cross the foul line.
D: Immediately when the play is made.
31. If the home team has a charged conference, the visiting team:
A: May also have a conference, uncharged, provided it concludes its conference when the home team ends its conference and
the game is not further delayed.
B: Cannot have a conference.
C: May have a conference, but it will count as a charged conference.
D: May have a conference if the home team has no objection.

32. Interference is declared on a base coach when:

A: He is judged to have unintentionally interfered while he is in foul territory.
B: He is judged to have unintentionally interfered while he is in fair territory.
C: He failed to vacate a coaching box when a fielder needed it to attempt to put out a batter or runner.
D: Both B and C

33. Jones, the starting DH, is pinch-hit for by Smith, a legal substitute.
A: The role of the DH is now terminated.
B: Jones cannot return to the game even if it is the first time he has been a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner.
C: The DH is locked into the position of the DH and can never be replaced.
D: Smith is now the DH.

34. The first-base coach leaves the vicinity of his coaching box to argue a close call at first base.
A: The umpire shall instruct the coach to return to the coaching box.
B: Both the assistant coach and the head coach are immediately ejected.
C: The assistant coach and head coach shall be restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.
D: Only the assistant coach is restricted to the bench for his action.

35. The second baseman, with the ball in his glove, maliciously slaps the runner before he reaches second base.
A: The ball is immediately dead and the second baseman is ejected.
B: The runner is declared out.
C: Other runners will be awarded appropriate bases they would have obtained had the malicious contact not occurred.
D: A, B, and C

36. A team has only eight players at the field.

A: The game cannot begin until the team has at least nine players.
B: The game may begin if the head coach verifies the ninth player will be at the game soon.
C: The game may begin with an out called each time that spot in the batting order comes t obat.
D: Both B and C

37. Prior to the start of the game, the umpire-in-chief shall receive verification from each head coach that his participants:
A: Understand the rules and agree to abide by them.
B: Are properly equipped and as far as he knows the bats and helmets are OK.
C: Are properly equipped and are using only legal equipment, including unaltered bats that meet 1-3-2, and helmets that are
free of cracks and damage and meet 1-5-1.
D: Have signed affidavits stating they have not altered their bats from the original design and production.

38. The batter enters the batter's box with a cracked helmet.
A: The batter is declared out and the head coach is restricted to the bench.
B: The batter is instructed to secure a legal helmet and the damaged helmet removed from play.
C: Both the batter and head coach are ejected.
D: The head coach and assistant coach are restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.

39. The first batter of the game enters the batter's box with an illegal bat.
A: The batter is declared out and the head coach is restricted to the dugout/bench.
B: The batter is allowed to secure a legal bat since the first pitch has not been thrown.
C: Both the batter and head coach are ejected.
D: The batter is out and the assistant coach must go sit on the bus.

40. The state association has adopted game-ending procedures.

A: Only those game ending procedures may be used.
B: Other game-ending rules may be used if both coaches agree.
C: The umpire-in-chief may formulate other game-ending rules for the situation.
D: The head coach may state the game-ending procedures to be used in the game.
41. A batted ball sharply hits the ground and rebounds high in the air. It comes down inside the base umpire's shirt.
A: Provided the umpire can pull the ball out immediately, it stays live and in play.
B: The ball is dead immediately.
C: The batter is awarded two bases.
D: B and C

42. A dead ball becomes immediately live when the pitcher engages the pitcher's plate holding the ball.
A: True
B: False

43. A pop fly hits the bat which is lying in foul territory and then touches fair ground.
A: The ball is deemed to be a fair ball and stays in play.
B: It is a dead ball and the batter is awarded two bases.
C: The batter is declared out.
D: It is a foul ball and immediately dead.

44. As the second baseman settles to catch a high pop fly, the runner from first base makes contact with him.
A: The ball is immediately dead.
B: If the second baseman catches the pop fly, the ball stays live and in play.
C: It is a delayed dead ball.

45. It is a delayed dead ball when:

A: A runner, with the ball in play,attempts to steal second and deliberately removes his helmet.
B: A ball touches an illegal glove.
C: The umpire interferes with the catcher who is attempting a throw.
D: A, B, and C

46. The ball is immediately dead when malicious contact:

A: Occurs by the offense.
B: Occurs by the defense.
C: Both A and B
D: Neither A nor B: The ball stays live and in play.

47. The base umpire declares “Foul” on a fly ball that is caught by the right fielder in fair territory and thrown to second to
double up the runner who left the base too soon.
A:It is a foul ball and the ball is immediately dead.
B: It is a fair ball and the catch stands, but the ball is immediately dead.
C: The ball stays live and in play, and the catch is recorded along with the out at second base.
D: The offensive team coach gets to decide which out will stand.

48. The batter swings at a pitch that hits him on the arm and goes directly to the catcher's glove.
A: The ball stays live and in play.
B: The ball becomes dead immidiately.

49. The runner on first base steals second while the batter enters the batter's box with a bat that has been altered.
A: The play stands and the batter is instructed to secure a legal bat.
B: The ball is immediately dad. The batter is declared out and the runner is returned to first base.
C: The runner is declared out and the batter is ejected.
D: No penalty may be imposed until the defense appeals the illegal bat.

50. When a player is incapacitated during play:

A: Time should be called except when the injury occurs during a live ball play and a putout is possible.
B: Time would be called if further play could jeopardize the injured player's safety.
C: Time would never be called.
D: Both A and B
51. With a runner advancing to third base, the second out is recorded at first base. The first baseman, wrongly thinking the play
was the third out, tosses the ball to the base umpire who catches the ball and holds it.
A: With the runner advancing, the ball stays live and in play.
B: The ball is immediately dead.
C: The runner is awarded third base.
D: B and C

52. With the runner from second attempting to advance to third base, the batted ball gets by the third baseman, who was playing
in to defend a possible bunt, and contacts the runner. The shortstop is not in a position to make a play on the ball.
A: The ball is immediately dead.
B: It is a delayed dead ball.
C: The ball stays live and in play.

53. A pitch dropped during delivery and which crosses a foul line shall be called:
A: A strike.
B: A balk with at least one runner on base.
C: A ball.
D: A no-pitch with the bases empty.

54. A pitcher may turn his shoulders to check runners while in contact with the pitcher's plate while in the:
A: Set position.
B: Windup position.
C: Both A and B
D: Neither A nor B; it is always illegal for a pitcher to turn his shoulders to check a runner.

55. If a pitcher defaces a ball:

A: The ball is dead immediately.
B: He may be ejected by the umpire.
C: If he delivers a pitch with the defaced ball and detected, it is an illegal pitch.
D: A,B, and C

56. If the pitcher's non-pivot foot is on or behind a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher's plate:
A: He is in the wind-up position.
B: He is in the set position.

57. It is illegal for a pitcher ti:

A: Wear a glove/mitt that includes the colors white or gray.
B: Wear exposed undershirt sleeves that are white or gray.
C: Neither A nor B
D: Both A and B

58. It is never legal for a pitcher to throw or feint to an unoccupied base.

A: True
B: False

59. It would be a balk if the pitcher, after having his entire non-pivot foot pass behind the perpendicular plane of the back edge of
the pitcher's plate, attempted to pick off a runner at first base.
A: True
B: False

60. Pitching from the wind-up position, the pitcher pauses for a couple of seconds with both hands together above his head.
A: This is legal provided the stop was complete and discernible.
B: This would be legal if the pitcher had stopped with his hands at or below his chin.
C: This is illegal. After he starts hi movement to pitch, he must continue the motion without interruption or alteration.
D: A and B
61. Pitching regulations begin when the batter steps into the batter's box.
A: True
B: False

62. The pitcher has the right to throw or feint to a base the same as that of and other infielder when:
A: His non-pivot foot is on the ground behind the pitcher's plate.
B: Both of his feet are on the ground behind the pitcher's plate.
C: His pivot foot is on the ground clearly behind the pitcher's pate.
D: He steps off the pitcher's plate in any direction or with either or both feet.

63. The pitcher, in the wind-up position, may:

A: Deliver a pitch.
B: Legally step backwards off the pitcher's plate.
C: Legally attempt a pick-off at an occupied base.
D: A and B

64. The pitcher, with a runner on third base, stopped his delivery because the batter held up his hand to request “Time “ fro mthe
plate umpire.
A: A strike shall be called on the batter.
B: A ball will be awarded to the batter.
C: A warning will be given to both players.
D: There is no penalty on either batter or pitcher.

65. The starting pitcher may warm up by:

A: Using not more than five throws timed from when the infielders first take their positions.
B: Using not more than eight throws timed from the first throw,
C: Using not more than five throws timed from the first throw,
D: Using not more than ten throws from when he gets to the pitcher's mound.

66. The umpire may authorize more than eight warm-up throws because of:
A: An injury.
B: An ejection.B1
C: Inclement weather.
D: A,B, and C

67. With a runner on first base and the ball in the first baseman's glove, the pitcher places his feet astride the pitcher's plate.
A: This is a legal play.
B: It is a balk.

68. Umpire jurisdiction begins:

A: Upon the umpires arriving within the confines of the field.
B: When the umpires arrive in the parking lot prior to the game,
C: At the pregame conference.
D: When the plate umpire starts the game by announcing “Play.”

69. A strike will be charged to the batter when:

A: A pitch is struck at and missed, but the ball hits the batter on the wrist.
B: The pitcher commits an illegal pitch with no runners on base.
C: The pitcher commits an illegal pitch with runners on base.
D: A, B, and C

70. The ball is dead immediately and the batter is out when:
A: He hits the ball fair with a foot touching home plate.
B: He hits the ball foul with a foot on the ground completely outside the lines of the batter's box.
C: He bunts the ball fair with his knee touching the ground completely outside the lines of the batter's box.
D: A, B, and C
71. The batter will be declared out when:
A: An attempt to bunt on the second strike is foul.
B: The third-base coach interferes with the third baseman attempting to catch a foul fly ball.
C: With two outs and a runner on first base, the missed swinging third strike is not caught.
D: A, B, and C

72. The batting order is Abel, Baker, Charles, Daniel. Baker is at bat when Able is caught stealing for the third out. When the
team returns to the offense in the next inning, the first batter shall be:
A: Abel.
B: Baker.
C: Charles.
D: Daniel.

73. The improper batter becomes the proper batter and the results of his time at bat are legal when no appeal is made and:
A: A legal pitch has been delivered to the next batter.
B: An illegal pitch has occurred.
C: An intentional base on balls has been granted.
D: A, B, and C

74. When a batted ball contacts the batter when he ins in the batter's box:
A: He is declared out.
B: A strike is charged to the batter as a foul ball.
C: The ball is live and in play.
D: It is declared to be a no-pitch.

75. When an improper batter's actions are made legal, the batting order picks up with the name:
A: Of the batter who was skipped over by the improper batter.
B: Of the batter the defense chooses to bat next.
C: Of the batter following that of the legalized improper batter.
D: The inning will be declared over.

76. B1's batted ball strikes the ground and bounces up to accidentally make contact with the barrel of B1's bat while the bat is
over fair ground. B1, at the time is in the batter's box and is holding his bat.
A: Foul ball.
B: Fair ball.
C: B1 is immediately declared out.
D: B1 is awarded first base.

77. B1 is crowding the front edge of the batter's box and legally hits the pitch. His stride through his swing places his front foot
on the ground in front and outside the batter's box while his back foot remains in the box. The batted ball bounces up and
accidentally hits B1's front leg.
A: Foul ball.
B: Fair ball.
C: B1 is immediately declared out.
D: B1 is awarded first base.

78. The batter comes to bat wearing a batting helmet that meets all NOCSAE requirements but has a mirror-like surface.
A: This is a legal helmet.
B: This is not a legal helmet and must be replaced.
C: If the defensive coach has no issues with the helmet, the batter may wear it.
D: The batter is declared out and ejected when he enters the batter's box wearing the helmet.

79. Defensive players may wear face/head protection:

A: Provided it meets NOCSAE standards.
B: Even if it has a mirror-like surface.
C: Even if it has a non-glare face mask.
D: A, B, and C

80. Follow-through interference occurs when:

A: The pitcher's arm motion distracts the batter.
B: The batter contacts the catcher prior to the time of the pitch.
C: The bat hits the catcher after the batter has swung at a pitch and hinders action at home plate or the catcher's attempt to
play on a runner.
81. Backswing interference is when:
A: The batter contacts the catcher or his equipment after the time of the pitch.
B: The batter contacts the catcher or his equipment prior to the time of the pitch.
C: The batter's swing goes all the way around and his bat hits the catcher on his back.

82. With R2 on second base, B3 swings nd misses a pitch for strike two. His follow-through hits F2 while he is attempting to
throw out R2, who successfully steals third base.
A: There is no interference, the play stands.
B: This is follow-through interference, R2 is declared out.
C: This is follow-through interference, both R2 and B3 are declared out.
D: This is follow-through interference, B3 is declared out and R2 is returned to second base.

83. With R1 on third base, B2 takes a practice swing that contacts the catcher's glove. The pitcher was still in the process of
getting his sign from the catcher and had not started any motion to pitch.
A: Time should be called by the umpire.
B: All players should be given the opportunity to reset their popsitions.
C: The batter is declared out.
D: A and B

84. While in the dugout, the home team has a video camera on a tripod recording game action.
A: This is legal.
B: This is legal providing the coach does not use the recording for coaching purposes.
C: This is illegal.
D: This is legal provided the coach received permission at the plate-conference.

85. A Team may record game action using a video camera, tablet computer, or a cell phone camera from anywhere in dead-ball
territory during a game and use it for coaching purposes.
A: True
B: False

86. While in the coaching box, the head coach is using his cell phone camera to record a batter's swing.
A: This is legal.
B: This is not allowed.

87. A father of a player is in the stands recording pitch speeds with a radar gun. The father may provide data collected to the
head coach.
A: True
B: False

88. The head coach has recorded a clear video of a close play at home plate. Before the net pitch, the plate umpire may review a
replay of the recording to render a decision.
A: Legal
B: Illegal

89. The official scorekeeper informs the plate umpire that the player at bat is an illegal substitute.
A: The umpire shall ignore this information until the defense tells him.
B: The umpire shall ignore this information until the offense tells him.
C: The umpire, being aware of the infraction, must enforce the penalty.

90. The official scorekeeper informs the plate umpire that the player who just completed his at bat batted out of order.
A: The umpire shall ignore this information until the defense legally appeals.
B: The umpire shall ignore this information until the offense tells him.
C: The umpire, being aware of the infraction, must enforce the penalty.
91. With two outs and the bases loaded, B6 receives a fourth ball. R3, advancing from first base, touches second base but is then
tagged off base for the third out before R1 from third base has touched home plate.
A: No runs will be scored.
B: R1's run will score.

92. With R1 on second base, B2 bunts to the first baseman who fields the ball a few steps in fair ground in front of first base. B2
stops his advance and retreats towards home. B2 does not leave the base path not touched or went beyond home plate. The
first baseman throws to third base, but R1 is safe. The return throw to first is after B2 has touched first base.
A: B2 is declared out.
B: B2 is safe.
C: R1 must return to second base.
D: A and C

93. After F1 has started his delivery, B1 requests but is not granted time and steps out of the batter's box.
A: The pitch is a strike regardless of location.
B: The ball remains live.
C: The ball is dead and the batter is allowed to re-enter the batter's box with no penalty.
D: A and B

94. With the bases empty, B1 swings and misses the first strike.. The ball lodges behind the catcher's chest protector. While
everyone is looking for the ball, B1 touches first base and advances to second base before the ball is discovered.
A: B1 is out.
B: B1 is awarded second base.
C: B2 is awarded first base only..
D: the umpire may declare an out or award any base depending on his judgment of the play.

95. A bunted ball that is hit high in the air cannot be declared to be an infield fly.
A: True
B: False

96. The State Association has adopted the use of speed-up rules. As a lead-off batter, the catcher gets a single and has a courtesy
runner run for him. Later in the same half-inning, the catcher comes back up to bat again and receives a base on balls.
A: The same courtesy runner must run for him.
B: The same courtesy runner may run for him.
C: The catcher may run for himself.
D: B and C

97. Smith ran for the catcher as a courtesy runner in the second inning. In the same half-inning and with no other legal runners
available, the shortstop is injured safely sliding in to second base. Smith may be used as a substitute for the shortstop.
A: True
B: False

98. Baker was used as the courtesy runner for the catcher in the fifth inning. In the sixth inning, he is used as a courtesy runner
for the pitcher.
A: This is legal.
B: This is not allowed.
C: Baker would be an illegal substitute when he courtesy runs for the pitcher.
D: B and C

99. It is not important for the umpire-in-chief to know about a courtesy runner.
A: True
B: False

100.If an injury, illness, or ejection occurs to the courtesy runner, another courtesy runner may run.
A: True
B: False