Resolving Illegal Actions
When a play continues despite a major infraction, one team may want the result of the play (if it is to their advantage) while the other team may want the penalty (if the penalty is to their advantage, or at least not as bad as the play). Sometimes the umpire has an option of the play or penalty and sometimes you don't. That won't stop the coaches from asking...
There are several situations that, after all playing action has ceased but there has been an illegal action during live ball play, one of the teams has an option of accepting the result of the play or the option of the penalty for the illegal action.
1. T/F: The batter uses an illegal bat and puts the ball in play. The defense has the option of taking the result of the play or the penalty for use of an illegal bat?
2. T/F: The batter interferes with the catcher as he attempts to throw out a runner stealing second. The runner is thrown out despite the batter interference. The defense has the option of taking the result of the play or the penalty for batter interference.
3. T/F: The catcher obstructs the batter's swing, but the batter puts the ball in play. The offense has the option of taking the result of the play or the penalty for catcher obstruction.
4. T/F: The defense notifies the umpire that an improper batter has just singled. The defense has the option of taking the result of the play or the penalty for batting out of order.
5. T/F: The offense notifies the umpire that the second baseman has just used an illegal glove to put out a runner. The offense has the option of taking the result of the play or the penalty for use of an illegal glove.