A BALL is a pitch that does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone, it is a "ball." If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base. If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if the batter hit the ball in flight. A BASE ON BALLS is an award of first base granted to a batter, who during his or her time at bat receives four pitches outside the strike zone. BATTER-RUNNER is a term that identifies the offensive player who has just finished a time at bat until that player is put out or until the play on which that player becomes a runner ends. BATTER'S BOX is the area the batter must stand during a time at bat. BENCH OR DUGOUT is the seating for players, substitutes, and the manager and coaches when they are not actively on the playing field. A BUNT is a batted ball not swung at but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the infield. A CALLED GAME is one in which the umpire-in-chief terminates play. A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in the hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it before it touches the ground, provided such fielder does not use a cap, protector, pocket, or any other part of the uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following contact with the ball, the fielder collides with a player, or with a wall, or if that fielder falls, and because of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and dropped the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove complete control of the ball and that the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. COMMENT: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope, or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, or rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is "held up" and kept from an apparent fall by a player or players of either team, and the catch is made, it shall be allowed. The CATCHER'S BOX is that area within which the catcher shall stand until the pitcher delivers the ball. CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES are playoff games played by two or more teams tied at the end of regular season play with identical won/loss records to determine a league champion; or, when applicable, first or second half 22
