Guide
Confusing baseball rules, explained
Every baseball family hits a moment where the umpire makes a call and nobody in the stands understands it. These are the rules that cause the most confusion, in plain English. Youth leagues sometimes modify them, so ask your league.
The infield fly rule
With fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, or on first, second and third, a fair fly ball that an infielder could catch with ordinary effort is ruled an infield fly. The batter is automatically out, whether or not the ball is caught. This stops the defense from letting the ball drop on purpose to get a double play. Runners may advance at their own risk.
The dropped third strike
If the catcher fails to cleanly catch strike three, and first base is unoccupied (or there are two outs), the batter may try to run to first base. The defense has to throw the runner out or tag them. Many younger youth divisions do not use this rule, so check yours.
The balk
A balk is an illegal move by the pitcher with runners on base, such as starting the pitch and then stopping, or failing to come to a proper stop. When a balk is called, every runner advances one base. Youth leagues often have modified balk rules, and some do not enforce them at the youngest levels.
Tagging up
On a fly ball that is caught, runners must return to and touch their base before advancing. If the ball is caught and they leave early, the defense can throw to the base and get them out on appeal.
Force play vs. tag play
- A force play happens when a runner must advance because the batter or another runner is forced behind them. A fielder with the ball just has to touch the base.
- A tag play is when no force exists, so the fielder has to tag the runner.
Ground-rule double
A fair ball that bounces over the outfield fence, or gets stuck in it, is a ground-rule double: the batter and runners advance two bases. A ball that goes over the fence in the air in fair territory is a home run.
Obstruction and interference
- Obstruction is when a fielder without the ball blocks a runner, and the runner may be awarded a base.
- Interference is when an offensive player hinders a defender, and the runner or batter can be called out.
Youth-specific rules to ask about
- Run limits per inning, and mercy rules that end lopsided games.
- Time limits and whether new innings can start.
- Courtesy runners for catchers or pitchers.
- Continuous batting orders, where everyone bats.
- Stealing, leading off and head-first slides at younger ages.
See also: baseball rules for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the infield fly rule?
With fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, or the bases loaded, a fair pop-up an infielder can catch with ordinary effort is an automatic out for the batter.
What is a balk?
An illegal motion by the pitcher with runners on base. When it is called, each runner advances one base.
What is a dropped third strike?
When the catcher doesn't cleanly catch strike three, the batter may run to first if it is unoccupied or there are two outs. Many youth divisions don't use it.
What is a ground-rule double?
A fair ball that bounces over the outfield fence or becomes stuck in it. The batter and runners get two bases.