2025 RULES BULLETIN #1
We are finishing up the third week of the 2025 High School Baseball season in Texas. We have seen both ends of the spectrum with regard to weather, and all points in between with starting the season and playing all the tournament games. The early games were most interesting, being played in weather that no one wanted. I saw players so bundled they could hardly run, and base umpires layered up to the extent they were indistinguishable from the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy. One innovative plate umpire, working in a tough wind chill, had gloves on such that anytime a coach gave him a lineup change, he handed his lineups and pen to the catcher to record. Whatever it takes, right? The first week or so was pretty quiet. We have more than made up for that lately.
1). Running Lane Interference: There have been a few questions on the Running Lane Rule, so let’s review the basics of the rule. For the rule to be called, these conditions must be in place:
- a) the batter‑runner, while running to first base during the last half of the distance to first, is outside of the running lane (at least one foot is outside the lane and not on the line);
- b) is outside of the running lane on the side of the lane from which the throw is made (a throw must be made; the quality of the throw is not important);
- c) the throw is made from an area “behind” the runner (a third baseman in a normal fielding position or throws from short or second would not be considered behind the runner on normal infield plays). While many of us would like a firm “black and white” diagram or definition of “behind the runner,” it is left to umpire judgment. Remember, one aspect of the rule is to not allow a batter‑runner to gain an unfair advantage while advancing to first by running in a manner such that there is not a throwing lane to the first for the fielder.
Important aspects of the rule:
- a) Interference occurs at the moment of the throw. When the above conditions are met, at the time of the throw interference is called – the batter‑runner is out and other runner(s) are returned to their base(s) occupied at the time of the throw.
- b) The running lane interference is not possible on throws made from first, etc., to home. The batter‑runner on a throw to home, cannot be called out for running lane violation. He might interfere with the throw in the manner in which other runners can interfere with a throw, but not by out of the running lane.
Please remember that first and foremost for high school, this is a safety rule. If this rule is not enforced, then coaches will understand the only way to get the batter‑runner out and not have another runner advance on the play is to have the catcher drill the batter‑runner with a throw; not what is wanted in high school.
2). Runner Using Helmet to Touch Base:
I suspect many of us have seen this video that has been making the rounds. In this case, a runner cannot use equipment, not being worn properly, as an extension of his body or to extend one’s reach. In this instance, the runner would be called out. Had he been wearing his helmet properly, and slid into the base with his head touching the base, he would be safe (same as a runner with batting or sliding gloves properly on his hand touching a base).
3) Cold Weather Gear: Questions usually a rise during cold weather considering cold weather gear for the players. (They want a chance staying warm as we do). Toboggan hats or knit hats or skull hats with ear flaps, etc. may be worn under the baseball cap but not in place of the baseball cap. If the cap can stay on with the other hat under it, okay. Jackets, or hoodies, etc., may be worn under the uniform jersey but not over it. The only player allowed to wear a jacket over his uniform is the pitcher and he can only wear it on offense once he is on base. As to a cold weather mask, there is no rule preventing it, provided there is nothing on it that would be unsportsmanlike, profane, demeaning to the opponent etc. And as always, with a pitcher, it couldn’t be white or gray or a color or pattern that is distracting to a batter. If it is very warm, ask them where they got it.
4)Slashing: We have had several questions that have asked if slashing is legal. No, it carries a five‑minute penalty in the penalty box. Oh, wait, that’s hockey. I wasn’t quite sure what slashing is with regard to baseball, but apparently it is like a slug bunt or it is when a batter fakes a bunt with the bat and then pulls it back and swings at the pitch. This definition of slashing for baseball is okay; there is no rule against it. Just no swing your stick or bat at an opponent.
5) Sunglasses on Bill of the Cap: We have had a couple of occurrences where an umpire has not allowed a player to place his sunglasses on the bill of his cap. “Wear them or leave them in the dugout,” has been the instruction. That requirement is not in the rulebook, so please don’t create an issue where one does not exist. We don’t care.
6) Umpires: We have a couple of incidents in the last few weeks that bear some discussion.
- There was a game involving a coach who had scratch listed some umpires. He had a game at an out‑of‑town tournament where one of the umpires was assigned his game. The coach insisted his team wouldn’t play that game with the specific umpire and wanted him removed. They paid the umpire to not officiate, and his partner worked the game by himself with extra pay.
If you have been assigned a game via the TASO Approved BB Assigning Procedures, you should work the game. Do not be intimidated or badgered into leaving. If the coach doesn’t want to play, that is his choice and he can explain it later to whoever asks him. But we should not leave that game and have our partner officiate the game using one‑person mechanics. We all know how fun that is. There should be no one‑person umpire games when we have two assigned.
- There is a report of a game where an umpire and a coach were not having a great time with each other. Eventually, the coach was ejected from the game and he refused to leave. By rule, an ejected coach is to leave the vicinity of the playing area immediately. Failure to comply can result in a forfeit of the game. But when this happens, the umpires should leave and the game should not continue. In this game, the umpire who ejected the coach left when the coach wouldn’t leave, yet his partner stayed and finished the game. That simply cannot happen. In this instance, both umpires need to leave and let the District Committee, UIL, Officiating Chapter and TASO handle it from there.
Plays to Consider:
1. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, a left‑handed pinch hitter is announced. The defensive coach now brings in a left‑handed pitcher. The offensive coach now brings in a right‑handed pinch hitter. At this point, the defensive coach plans to intentionally walk this hitter. Following the walk, the offensive coach brings up another right‑handed hitter. The defensive coach wants to return to the mound to make another pitching change. The offensive coach argues he can’t yet make a change. What do you say? May he change the pitcher?
2. With R1 on first and R2 on second and no outs, B3 has a 2‑2 count. The pitcher inexplicably assumes the wind‑up position and both runners take off for third base and second base respectively. At the moment the pitcher makes his first move to the plate, R1 is standing on second base, but R2 has not yet reached third base. The pitch is a curveball in the dirt that B3 swings at and misses. B3 takes off for first and is called safe by U1. The defensive coach argues that R1 still occupied first base and thus B3 should be out. The fans have a split decision. What do you rule?
Please continue to send your questions and concerns. Thanks for your hard work. District play begins next week and many factors tighten up. Until then, have a good one.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
Jkyle1974@aol.com 979‑446‑5522
