Extremely Stupid Baseball Questions

[GobbleDog 1,014]

Since I've been betting on baseball, I actually watched a few games recently. And now I've got some questions:

 

 

1. I know a batter has to physically be in the batter's box before the pitcher can throw, but the moment the batter steps in, why not throw it then? It seems like they could catch them off-gaurd and get easy strikes, but instead pitchers always wait for batters to get ready - why? What exactly has to happen before a pitcher can throw?

 

2. When a runner slides into 2nd base, he usually tries to slide into the 2nd baseman to keep him from making a double play. But if he's going to be out anyway, instead of sliding, why not just run at the 2nd baseman upright with arms flailing trying to knock the ball down, or at least get in the way of the throw?

 

3. When a pitcher tries to catch a runner leading off too far on first base and throws to the first baseman, why doesn't the first baseman just pretend to throw it back, wait for the runner to lead off again and tag him? Runners don't actually watch to make sure he threw it back to the pitcher. Seems like it would be an easy trick.

 

4. What happens if a runner accidently kicks a ball that's been hit while he's running the bases? Is he out? What if he intentionally kicks it? What if he picks it up and throws into the stands - what's the penalty for that?

 

5. Can a pitcher fake like he's throwing the ball, but instead keep it, then one second later wind up - fake again, and then wind up again and actually throw it? Wouldn't that screw up the batter - not knowing when it's really coming?

 

 

there may be more....

[posty 2,844]

Since I've been betting on baseball, I actually watched a few games recently. And now I've got some questions:

1. I know a batter has to physically be in the batter's box before the pitcher can throw, but the moment the batter steps in, why not throw it then? It seems like they could catch them off-gaurd and get easy strikes, but instead pitchers always wait for batters to get ready - why? What exactly has to happen before a pitcher can throw?

 

2. When a runner slides into 2nd base, he usually tries to slide into the 2nd baseman to keep him from making a double play. But if he's going to be out anyway, instead of sliding, why not just run at the 2nd baseman upright with arms flailing trying to knock the ball down?

 

3. When a pitcher tries to catch a runner leading off too far on first base and throws to the first baseman, why doesn't the first baseman just pretend to throw it back, wait for the runner to lead off again and tag him? Runners don't actually watch to make sure he threw it back to the pitcher. Seems like it would be an easy trick.

 

4. What happens if a runner accidently kicks a ball that's been hit while he's running the bases? Is he out? What if he intentionally kicks it? What if he picks it up and throws into the stands - what's the penalty for that?

 

5. Can a pitcher fake like he's throwing the ball, but instead keep it, then one second later wind up - fake again, and then wind up again and actually throw it? Wouldn't that screw up the batter - not knowing when it's really coming?

there may be more....

 

1. When a player is out of the box, the ump officially has "time"... He has to tell the pitcher that "time" is removed before making a pitch... In this case, the ump would say that he still had "time"...

 

2. Because said player would then get a baseball thrown along the side of the head or in the face...

 

3. First base coach would tell him and then the player usually doesn't lead off until the pitcher is on the rubber... If you are on the rubber without the baseball, it is a balk...

 

4. Out

 

5. I think it would be called a ball and if he did it again, he would probably get ejected... Not much of a career in the majors after that...

[paulinstl 296]

Posty's right. Seems strange that any boy that grew up in America didn't know some of this stuff. No offense meant, I just guess you were into other things than baseball.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

Posty's right. Seems strange that any boy that grew up in America didn't know some of this stuff. No offense meant, I just guess you were into other things than baseball.

Growing up in Florida, college football has always been king. Baseball was for old people and northeners.

[Snoopy1 0]

About number 1, about 3 starts ago for Jeff Suppon some batter was being overly slow, stepping out of the box on every pitch taking his time getting back in and then taking a long time setting up again. Ump told him to knock it off---he didn't---on a 2-2 count he steps out, ump tells him to get back in and then signals for Suppon to pitch. Batter still just lollygaggin' and Suppon throws a fastball down the middle, batter tried to jump back in and swing at but wasn't even close...

[paulinstl 296]

Growing up in Florida, college football has always been king. Baseball was for old people and northeners.

 

 

Gotcha.

[edjr 7,012]

Posty's right. Seems strange that any boy that grew up in America didn't know some of this stuff. No offense meant, I just guess you were into other things than baseball.

 

Dry humping tree frogs?

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,433]

The only thing to add for posty's comments is that a runner cannot get in the way of a fielder when they are throwing to first. That would be interference and both the runner and the batter are out. That is what happens when the player slides into second base and goes out of his way to take out the second baseman.

 

With respect to #5, it would also be a balk if he was on the rubber and faked the throw to home. Unless you want to have runners advancing all over the place, it is better to follow the rules.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

1. When a player is out of the box, the ump officially has "time"... He has to tell the pitcher that "time" is removed before making a pitch... In this case, the ump would say that he still had "time"...

 

5. I think it would be called a ball and if he did it again, he would probably get ejected... Not much of a career in the majors after that...

 

1. Are you saying the ump actually yells "time" before every pitch? I've never seen that. Is there some signal I'm missing? Does he point or something? Seems more like there's some unspoken understanding of when it's ok to throw. They always wait til the batter finsihes doing a few wind-ups with the bat before throwing. I think they should chuck it while he's in the middle of a wind-up.

 

5. How can it be called a ball if the baseball never leaves the pitcher's hand? Sounds like it isn't technically illegal to fake throw!?! And if it isn't illegal, then how can he be ejected? I think somebody should try it and see what happens. It could change the game.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

With respect to #5, it would also be a balk if he was on the rubber and faked the throw to home. Unless you want to have runners advancing all over the place, it is better to follow the rules.

 

I was just told that a "balk" was standing on the rubber without having the baseball. Now you're telling me it also means fake throwing?

 

hmmmmm.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,433]

1. Are you saying the ump actually yells "time" before every pitch? I've never seen that. Is there some signal I'm missing? Does he point or something? Seems more like there's some unspoken understanding of when it's ok to throw. They always wait til the batter finsihes doing a few wind-ups with the bat before throwing. I think they should chuck it while he's in the middle of a wind-up.

 

5. How can it be called a ball if the baseball never leaves the pitcher's hand? Sounds like it isn't technically illegal to fake throw!?! And if it isn't illegal, then how can he be ejected? I think somebody should try it and see what happens. It could change the game.

 

1. The ump will hold up his arms, which signals time. When the ump is ready, he points at the pitcher. Without that point, there is no pitch. ETA: if the pitcher is on the rubber and there is no time called, then the pitcher can throw it while the batter is taking practice swings. There is nothing against that.

 

5. The ball does not have to leave the pitcher's hand for it to be a ball. It is the exact same thing if the pitcher winds up, stumbles and falls with the ball still in his hand. It is a ball.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,433]

I was just told that a "balk" was standing on the rubber without having the baseball. Now you're telling me it also means fake throwing?

 

hmmmmm.

 

Who told you that?

 

A balk is when the pitcher is on the rubber and there are runners on base and the pitchers does one of several illegal moves.

 

ETA: Read this and come back to us: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/offic...s/pitcher_8.jsp

[NewbieJr 541]

One great thing about baseball is that it polices itself very well. Even if some of teh stuff you suggest was within teh rules (like a baserunner flailing his arms while heading toward second), the player eventually has to grab a bat and stand in the box, knowing he will be "told" how to act with a fastball to the face.

 

Why do you think that the more-animated players don't do crazy dances or stand at the plate and admire their work after a home run? Because no one wants to be taught how to act by eating some rawhide.

 

Can you imagine how well a Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson would behave if they played baseball instead of football? They would just play the game and not try to show up their opponents and overshadow their teammates.

[DankNuggs 305]

Since I've been betting on baseball, I actually watched a few games recently. And now I've got some questions:

1. I know a batter has to physically be in the batter's box before the pitcher can throw, but the moment the batter steps in, why not throw it then? It seems like they could catch them off-gaurd and get easy strikes, but instead pitchers always wait for batters to get ready - why? What exactly has to happen before a pitcher can throw?

 

2. When a runner slides into 2nd base, he usually tries to slide into the 2nd baseman to keep him from making a double play. But if he's going to be out anyway, instead of sliding, why not just run at the 2nd baseman upright with arms flailing trying to knock the ball down, or at least get in the way of the throw?

 

3. When a pitcher tries to catch a runner leading off too far on first base and throws to the first baseman, why doesn't the first baseman just pretend to throw it back, wait for the runner to lead off again and tag him? Runners don't actually watch to make sure he threw it back to the pitcher. Seems like it would be an easy trick.

 

4. What happens if a runner accidently kicks a ball that's been hit while he's running the bases? Is he out? What if he intentionally kicks it? What if he picks it up and throws into the stands - what's the penalty for that?

 

5. Can a pitcher fake like he's throwing the ball, but instead keep it, then one second later wind up - fake again, and then wind up again and actually throw it? Wouldn't that screw up the batter - not knowing when it's really coming?

there may be more....

 

You have been watching the movie "Rookie of the Year" Far too often...

 

 

Bomblegardner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GobbleDog 1,014]

I can't think of another sport in the entire world where one conferance plays by one set of rules and the other plays by another (ie Designated hitters, pitchers don't have to hit, etc....) When did that ever get started? That's ridiculous. They should all play be the same rules. How do they decide which set of rules to use when they meet in the World Series? IMO - designated runners/hitters is idiotic, but regardless they should pick a set of rules and stick to them.

 

Another complaint.... all baseball fields should be STANDARD. Why is one wider/longer/whatever than another? That's as stupid as having football fields of varying size depending on where you're playing; or a basketball arena with 12' rims.

 

[posty 2,844]

I can't think of another sport in the entire world where one conferance plays by one set of rules and the other plays by another (ie Designated hitters, pitchers don't have to hit, etc....) When did that ever get started? That's ridiculous. They should all play be the same rules. How do they decide which set of rules to use when they meet in the World Series? IMO - designated runners/hitters is idiotic, but regardless they should pick a set of rules and stick to them.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_hi...und_and_history

[NewbieJr 541]

Another complaint.... all baseball fields should be STANDARD. Why is one wider/longer/whatever than another? That's as stupid as having football fields of varying size depending on where you're playing; or a basketball arena with 12' rims.

 

Comparing a baseball field having a 385 ft. centerfield fence as compared to a 405 ft. fence with a 12' rim is a little silly. How far away the walls are doesn't really change the essential challenges of the game, which are pitching, batting, anf fielding. The things that matter, ie basepaths, mound distance, etc. are consistant.

 

Soccer fields are the same as baseball fields. There is no set size. There is only a minimum length (100-130 yds.) and width (50-100 yds.).

[GobbleDog 1,014]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_hi...und_and_history

 

"At first, the DH rule was not applied to the World Series. In 1976, it was decided the rule would apply to all games, regardless of venue, but only in even-numbered years. This practice lasted until 1985. The next year, the rule was adapted to its current format of only applying in games played in the American League team's stadium."

 

So do National League teams keep a few designated hitters on their roster, for the rare occassions of inter-league games or in case they actually make it to the world series?

 

I can't believe baseball fans actually like having different rules. It seems insane to me.

[NewbieJr 541]

I can't believe baseball fans actually like having different rules. It seems insane to me.

It's the same in the NFL. The NFC forbids cheating.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

Soccer fields are the same as baseball fields. There is no set size. There is only a minimum length (100-130 yds.) and width (50-100 yds.).

 

I didn't know soccer fields varied in size. Interesting.

 

 

 

Meh... soccer.

[NewbieJr 541]

I didn't know soccer fields varied in size. Interesting.

Meh... soccer.

Yup. There's only a minimum length and width.

 

One interesting thing is, if the field happens to be 100 yards wide, it cannot be 100 yards long and still be a legal field. The rulebook says it must be rectangular and the width cannoth equal the length.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

Another stupid question....

 

When a batter is hit by a pitch, he walks. Got it. But what if he goes out of his way to get hit? Like the ball is thrown behind him and he backs into it on purpose. Is that a walk?

[NewbieJr 541]

Another stupid question....

 

When a batter is hit by a pitch, he walks. Got it. But what if he goes out of his way to get hit? Like the ball is thrown behind him and he backs into it on purpose. Is that a walk?

No. In fact, the batter must make an attempt to get out of teh way of a pitched ball, even if it is thrown directly at him.

 

This is rarely called, however.

[surferskin 31]

It's the same in the NFL. The NFC forbids cheating.

[BMoney 0]

Yup. There's only a minimum length and width.

 

One interesting thing is, if the field happens to be 100 yards wide, it cannot be 100 yards long and still be a legal field. The rulebook says it must be rectangular and the width cannoth equal the length.

 

 

and for the longest time..nhl rinks werent the same size either...

 

chicago...buffalo...i believe toronto..all a bit smaller...good times...

[BMoney 0]

to confuse you more...

 

ask why a 2nd baseman or shortstop doesnt need to always touch the base while turning a double play...why the general area is deemed ok...

 

why people say tie goes to the runner when there is no such rule in the rule book...

 

why does a foul pole count as a home run if hit?

 

oh this could go on...

[NewbieJr 541]

why does a foul pole count as a home run if hit?

 

oh this could go on...

It should really be called the fair pole, as it's simply supposed to be an extension of teh foul line, which is also in fair territory.

[Snoopy1 0]

and for the longest time..nhl rinks werent the same size either...

 

chicago...buffalo...i believe toronto..all a bit smaller...good times...

 

 

They standardized that??? It's still not Olympic size though right?

[kutulu 1,722]

Baseball is the suck.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

ask why a 2nd baseman or shortstop doesnt need to always touch the base while turning a double play...why the general area is deemed ok...

 

 

Seriously? Now that's messed-up. The strict rule says he HAS to touch the bag, right? I'd freak out if I were the opposing manager.

[posty 2,844]

ask why a 2nd baseman or shortstop doesnt need to always touch the base while turning a double play...why the general area is deemed ok...

 

I hate the phantom double-play... I remember getting a letter to the editor in the Sporting News back in 1986 published complaining about this...

[$epphori$ 118]

and for the longest time..nhl rinks werent the same size either...

 

chicago...buffalo...i believe toronto..all a bit smaller...good times...

 

the old Boston Garden was the smallest...and was a huge advantage for the B's

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Baseball is the suck.

 

 

That's really all you need to know.

[NewbieJr 541]

I hate the phantom double-play... I remember getting a letter to the editor in the Sporting News back in 1986 published complaining about this...

That was you? I remember reading that.

[GobbleDog 1,014]

the old Boston Garden was the smallest...and was a huge advantage for the B's

Have they corrected that? Are all NHL rinks the same size today? Along with the nets and all that?

[Mephisto 15]

1. I know a batter has to physically be in the batter's box before the pitcher can throw, but the moment the batter steps in, why not throw it then? It seems like they could catch them off-gaurd and get easy strikes, but instead pitchers always wait for batters to get ready - why? What exactly has to happen before a pitcher can throw?

 

It also probably has a lot to do with the batter being in perfect position to sit there and watch the catcher's signals and make a determination of the expected pitch. Once he's in the box, he really has to focus on the pitcher and therefore cannot steal signs.

 

2. When a runner slides into 2nd base, he usually tries to slide into the 2nd baseman to keep him from making a double play. But if he's going to be out anyway, instead of sliding, why not just run at the 2nd baseman upright with arms flailing trying to knock the ball down, or at least get in the way of the throw?

 

I laughed Doritos up into the back of my nasal canal when I read this. It didn't feel good. Others have explained it very well already, but do you recall last year... the outcry when Alex Rodriguez screamed at the shortstop HA!!! as he ran past him and actually distracted him into dropping the ball? I thought it was focking hysterical and applauded it. The overwhelming majority of folks didn't and thought it was, to use an old phrase: "bush league."

 

3. When a pitcher tries to catch a runner leading off too far on first base and throws to the first baseman, why doesn't the first baseman just pretend to throw it back, wait for the runner to lead off again and tag him? Runners don't actually watch to make sure he threw it back to the pitcher. Seems like it would be an easy trick.

 

It's not easy, but has been done successfully before in the majors... both in that regard and other "didn't throw the ball in" situations. It's rare, but it happens. There are various versions of the hidden ball trick which have been used successfully by people like Mike Lowell and Matt Williams (among others).

 

4. What happens if a runner accidently kicks a ball that's been hit while he's running the bases? Is he out? What if he intentionally kicks it? What if he picks it up and throws into the stands - what's the penalty for that?

 

Out. Out. Out and probably a straight-jacket.

 

5. Can a pitcher fake like he's throwing the ball, but instead keep it, then one second later wind up - fake again, and then wind up again and actually throw it? Wouldn't that screw up the batter - not knowing when it's really coming?

there may be more....

 

I don't think baseball has a "Harlem Globetrotters" equivalent.

 

Great post. And you even stuck around afterwards instead of speeding off, unable to face the ensuing carnage.

[Mephisto 15]

Yup. There's only a minimum length and width.

 

One interesting thing is, if the field happens to be 100 yards wide, it cannot be 100 yards long and still be a legal field. The rulebook says it must be rectangular and the width cannoth equal the length.

 

That's why soccer sucks.

[NewbieJr 541]

That's why soccer sucks.

You may want to tell every other country in the world about it. They seem to disagree with you.

[Mephisto 15]

You may want to tell every other country in the world about it. They seem to disagree with you.

 

Shut up, you focking soccer-loving asspirate.

[NewbieJr 541]

Shut up, you focking soccer-loving asspirate.

Dance monkey, dance.