2025 Official Baseball Rules - Expanded Study Guide: Marathon Ump epub

Fully updated with all MLB Rule Changes for the 2025 MLB season.

In this new expanded version of Marathon Ump's classic Study Guide, we have combined both the baseball rules and their corresponding scoring rules that were previously contained in two separate Study Guides.

Ultimately, the Study Guide will answer two questions for each discussed rule:

• How would the umpire enforce the rule(s) for a particular play.
• How would the Official Scorer record that play.

Each Chapter outlines a particular topic contained in the Official Rules of Baseball with:

• Summary of Key Points (Game Day Notes)
• Exam Questions (Game Day Action)
• Answers and Explanations for Exam Questions (Post Game Analysis)

Whether you are an umpire and/or scorekeeper and want to use this study guide like batting practice to stay sharp, a player or coach that wants to better themselves by better understanding the Great Game, or simply a baseball nerd that wants to know as much about the game as possible - this book will have lots for you.

Topics Include:

Official Baseball Rules

• The surprisingly complex rules on using a designated hitter in the line up.
• When is the batter allowed and not allowed to advance to first base on a dropped third strike. (Probably the most misunderstood rule in Youth Leagues).
• What happens when a ball in play hits the umpire (besides the umpire getting a loud round of boos).
• When does the run count on a play that the third out of the inning is made.
• What is the definition of “first play by an infielder” and in what situation is it extremely important?
• What is the difference between the “Infield Fly Rule” and a “intentionally dropped ball” and what situations do each come into play.
• What happens when a player bats out of order, including understanding the terms “proper batter” and “improper batter”.
• What is and isn’t a balk.
• What happens when Catcher Interference is called?
• If the batter interferes with the catcher attempting to throw out a runner stealing, who is out?
• And much, much more.

Official Scoring Rules

• When should the official scorer speak up and when should he keep his mouth shut.
  • Should he alert the umpire when the umpire loses count of the outs?
  • Should he alert anyone when a batter is out of order?
• Should the stats count when a game is forfeited during the middle of the game?
• How do you balance the score card and why must this be done?
• When a batter reaches base on catcher interference, how is this scored? How does it affect the batter’s batting average? The pitcher’s ERA?
• Does a pitcher “earn” the run when his error leads to the run scoring?
• Can you “bat in” a run without actually hitting the ball?

• Do you get an RBI when a run scores after hitting into a double play?
• Can you “bat yourself in”?
• What is a slugging percentage and how is it calculated?
• Can you be credited with a putout on a play without even touching the ball? Hint: this is related to “balancing the scorecard”.

• How can there be more than 1 assist on a play?
• Can an error be charged on a play where the batter does not reach base and no runners advance?
• Under what conditions can a player be charged with an error for a mental mistake?
• Numerous pitchers hold the major league record with 4 strikeouts in a single inning. How is it possible for a pitcher to have more than 3 strikeouts in an inning?
• How can a pitcher give up a home run, and the run not be “earned”?
• Is it possible for a player’s batting average to be higher than his on-base percentage?