2023 Official Baseball Rules - Study Guide: Marathon Ump

Book Synopsis: Britannica defines baseball as a game played with a bat, a ball, and gloves between two teams of nine players each on a field with four white bases laid out in a diamond (i.e., a square oriented so that its diagonal line is vertical). Teams alternate positions as batters (offense) and fielders (defense), exchanging places when three members of the batting team are “put out.” As batters, players try to hit the ball out of the reach of the fielding team and make a complete circuit around the bases for a “run.” The team that scores the most runs in nine innings (times at bat) wins the game. Pretty simple game. Or is it?

The many, many rules that it takes to simply “play ball” is enormous. Marathon Ump’s 2023 Official Baseball Rules Study Guide breaks down these complex rules and will help you become a “baseball rule expert.” Whether you are an umpire 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.

The study guide covers each and every rule section of the Official Baseball Rules. First test your knowledge by answering challenging multiple choice questions. Then grade yourself with the answers that are shown at the back of the book along with their detailed explanations. You will also be provided a link to “play online”, where 25 questions will be randomly drawn from all sections of the Official Rules. The on-line exam will “grade” you for each section of the rule book and can be taken an unlimited number of times.

Marathon Ump’s 2023 Official Baseball Rules Study Guide covers rule changes for the 2023 MLB season including:

• New measurements for first, second, and third base
• When is a position player allowed to pitch?
• New defensive restrictions (i.e. “outlawing the shift”)
• Parameters for extra inning games (i.e. “ghost runners”)
• New “Time Clock” rules including violations for both pitchers and batters.
• New restrictions for the pitcher on attempted pick offs.

In addition, this study guide covers:

• 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.