This section contains questions pertaining to MLB Rule Four – Starting and Ending a Game. It is designed as a self-test to challenge your knowledge. Answers and rulings are given at the end.
1. After six innings the home team leads 2-0. In the top of the seventh inning, the visiting team scores four runs. In the bottom of the seventh the home team ties the game with a two-run homer. However, with one out in that inning, the game is stopped due to rain and is unable to be completed. The game was played under no special league rules.
A. the home teams wins 2-0
B. the visiting team wins 4-2
C. the game ends in a tie 4-4
D. the game is suspended and will be continued when possible
2. Who is responsible for determining if a single game should be delayed or postponed before it starts?
A. the coach of the home team (includes game management)
B. the coach of the visiting team
C. the umpire-in-chief
D. the umpires and coaches should work together to arrive at the best decision
3. At the start of an inning an assistant coach occupies the first-base coach’s box wearing the team uniform except for a turtleneck of the team color that is worn in lieu of the team shirt
A. not allowed
B. allowed if a state association policy applied
C. the coach may wear a jacket that covers the turtleneck
D. the coach may only wear a jacket if the third-base coach has the same jacket
4. With the bases loaded and the score tied in the bottom of the last inning, B1 receives a two-out walk. B1 runs down to first as B3 scores, but B1 goes off to celebrate
A. the run counts
B. the run counts unless an appeal is made on R1
C. the run does not count
5. The umpires’ jurisdiction begins:
A. upon the umpires’ arrival at the field
B. when the pregame conference begins
C. 10 minutes before game time
D. 30 minutes before game time
E. when the home team’s lineup is handed to the plate umpire
F. when the plate umpire verifies both lineups
6. The runner on third takes a very big lead. As F1 delivers to B4, the plate umpire notices the third-base coach is out of the coaching box and is standing near R3
A. R3 is declared out
B. B4 is declared out
C. an automatic strike is called on B4
D. the coach must be warned immediately after the pitch
E. none of the above
7. The score is tied in the home half of the final inning of the championship game. The bases are loaded with two outs when B1 receives ball four. He hurries to first and R3 crosses the plate, but R1 and R2 immediately join the victory celebration
A. no matter, game is over
B. the game continues only if the defensive team makes a proper appeal
C. when playing action is over, somebody is going to be declared out and the game will continue
8. With F1 in a set position, F2 calls for a pitchout. R1 breaks for second and F2 steps out of the catcher’s box after F1 breaks his hands from the stop, but before he releases the ball
A. legal
B. balk
C. a ball is awarded
9. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the visitors are leading 2-1. R3 is injured sliding safely into home, leaving the home team with only eight players
A. the game is over immediately
B. the home team may continue with eight players
C. the game may continue until the bottom of the sixth is over
10. R3 is on third with two outs as B1 bats with a count of one ball and one strike. As F1 starts his windup, B1 steps out of the batter’s box in a deliberate attempt to make F1 balk and F1 stops his motion
A. any balk call is nullified
B. B1 is charged with an automatic strike
C. B1 is ejected from the game
D. the umpire may warn B1 about the infraction
E. because both B1 and F1 have violated rules, the umpire will call time and begin play anew
F. F1 is charged with a balk