OBSTRUCTING BASE RUNNERS.
Rule 46, Section VI, states that a base runner is entitled to the base he is running to "if he be prevented from making that base by the obstruction of an adversary." Now the correct interpretation of this rule is that such obstruction as that in question must be that at the hands of a fielder who has not the ball in hand ready to touch the runner. Of course if the runner is met by the fielder with ball in hand ready to touch the runner, and thus stands directly in the path of the runner, no legal obstruction has been presented, though in fact he is obstructed. But the "obstruction" meant by the rule is that presented by a fielder who has not the ball in hand at the time.
A THROWN BALL HITTING THE UMPIRE ON FAIR GROUND.
Rule 47, Section IV, states that "The base runner shall return to his base and be entitled to so return without being put out, if the person or clothing of the umpire is struck by a ball thrown by the catcher to intercept a base runner." Rule 46, in referring to base runners entitled to take bases without being put out, states that "if a fair hit ball strikes the person or clothing of the umpire, the batsman making the hit, or a base runner running a base upon such a hit, shall be entitled to the base he is running for without being put out." For instance, suppose there is a runner at first base trying to steal second, and the catcher throws the ball to the second baseman to cut him off, and that the ball thus thrown hits the umpire and glances off out of the reach of the fielders, the runner in such case, while being debarred from making second base by the accident, is allowed to return to the base he left without being put out. But the umpire must see to it that the ball is not intentionally thrown to hit the umpire with a view of preventing what would otherwise be a successful steal. In other words, the throw in question must be an accidental one, or it must be judged as an illegal play.
THE COACHING RULE.
Umpires must enforce the rule governing the "coaching" of base runners in accordance with the spirit as well as the letter of the law, and this forbids the addressing of any remarks except to the base runner, and then only in words of necessary direction. Moreover, no coacher is allowed to use any language, in his position either as player or coacher, "which shall in anyway" refer to or reflect upon a player of the opposing club. The noisy, vulgar yelling of some coachers is in direct violation of the spirit of the rule, as it is done, not to coach the runner, but to confuse the pitcher or catcher, and distract their attention. The penalty for violating the rule is the suspension of all coaching by the offending club during the remainder of the game.
PLAYERS MUST BE SEATED ON THEIR BENCH.
Rule 54, Section I, requires that all the players of the batting side when not actually engaged in batting, base running or in coaching—as in the case of the two appointed coachers—must remain seated on the bench until called in their turn to go to the bat. The umpire too must see to it that the requirements of this same rule be strictly enforced in regard to keeping the bats in the racks, and not allow them to be laid on the ground in the way of the catcher running to catch foul balls.
REMOVING A PLAYER FOR KICKING.
The most important change in the rules affecting the duties of the umpire is that made in Rule 57, Section V, which gives the umpire the discretionary power to remove an offending player from the field who is found violating Rule 57.