Baseball Quiz

1. An "out" always occurs when:

More than one answer may be correct.

A) A fielder in possession of the ball tags a baserunner (tag out) B) A batter hits the ball into foul territory 3 times C) A batter fails to hit the ball after 3 strikes (strikeout) D) A ball is caught in the air (fly out)

2. A "strike" always occurs when:

More than one answer may be correct.

A) A batted ball lands in foul territory (foul ball) and the batter had fewer than 2 strikes B) A pitch from the pitcher outside the strike zone C) A pitch outside the strike zone where the batter attempted to hit the ball and missed D) The batter did not attempt to swing, but the ball passes within the strike zone

3. A "base on balls," also known as a "walk," is when:

A) The pitcher misses the strike zone 2 times B) The pitcher misses the strike zone 4 times without the batter attempting to swing C) When the catcher fails to catch a strike, i.e. a "passed ball" D) When the catcher fails to catch the ball and the batter runs to first base

4. A "baseline" or "running line" is a straight line from one base to the next. To avoid a "tag out," how many meters, roughly, may a baserunner deviate left or right from this line?

A) 1 meter B) 2 meters C) 4 meters D) 5 meters

5. In which situations can an umpire call an "out by rule"?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) When a baserunner passes the runner ahead of him B) When 2 baserunners occupy the same base at the same time C) When a baserunner fails to touch a base D) When a baserunner runs to the next base without the ball being hit (base stealing)

6. The "dropped third strike" rule allows a batter, despite having 3 strikes, to run to first base. Name the 3 conditions required for this rule to apply

More than one answer may be correct.

A) The batter has 3 strikes B) The ball was not caught by the catcher, or was caught after touching the ground C) The ball was hit by the batter and landed in foul territory D) First base is unoccupied (with 2 outs, this also applies even if first base is occupied)

7. With 2 outs, third base is occupied and the current batter hits a ground ball into the infield and is out at first base. The baserunner on third base reaches home plate before the out at first base is completed

A) The run does not count (if the 3rd out is a force play, this batter's runs do not count) B) The run counts because the baserunner reached home plate before the 3rd out C) The run would have counted if the out had been made at second base D) After 2 outs, runs only count on fly outs

8. In baseball, what is understood by a "rundown" or "running down" situation?

A) When a baserunner runs extremely slowly B) When the baserunner runs from third base to home plate C) A baserunner is caught between 2 bases, and 2 basemen throw the ball back and forth while closing in on him, intending to tag him out D) When the baserunner leaves the field, e.g. because he is out

9. A "double play" always occurs when the defensive team makes 2 outs in a single play. In which of the examples below does a "double play" occur?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) The shortstop fields a ground ball with first base occupied, throws to second base (out at second) and the second baseman throws to first base (out at first) B) A line drive flies directly into the pitcher's glove, but no bases are occupied C) A fly out in the outfield; the baserunner on second base had left the base before the ball was caught and could not return to second base in time D) When the catcher catches a "foul ball" (fly out)

10. A "wild pitch" is when:

A) When the pitcher throws to first base attempting to pick off a baserunner there B) When the pitcher throws a pitch so high, so low, or so far off home plate that the catcher cannot catch the ball C) When the pitcher drops the ball D) Any pitch through the strike zone that the catcher drops

11. A "pick off" is a throw by the pitcher to an occupied base. What is the purpose of this?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) If the baserunner takes too large a lead, it may be possible to get him out before he can return to the base B) A "pick off" is only performed when all bases are empty C) To discourage the baserunner from taking too large a lead, making base stealing more difficult D) The pitcher never throws to the bases

12. "Tag up" is understood as:

A) The batter swings at a ball and misses the pitcher's pitch B) A baserunner waits until a fly ball is caught, immediately touches the base afterward, and attempts to advance to the next base C) That is a ground ball fielded by the shortstop D) That is the same as a "tag out"

13. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) When the batter hits the ball far enough to safely reach second base, this is called a "double hit" B) A "triple play" is when the defensive team makes 3 outs in a single play C) A "fly out" is when the ball is dropped in the outfield D) "Base stealing" is when a baserunner runs to the next base before the batter has hit the ball, and it occurs often in baseball

14. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) "Full count" is when a batter has a count of 3 balls and 2 strikes (3-2, pronounced "three and two") B) A "strikeout" is when the pitcher misses the strike zone 4 times C) "Interference" refers to a play in which a baserunner obstructs a fielder D) A home run is any batted ball that reaches the outfield

15. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) An "inning" is when both teams have played both defense and offense (2 x 3 outs) B) "Lead" or "lead off" is the distance a baserunner takes from the base, typically about 2 meters C) "Extra innings" are innings that last longer than one hour D) A "perfect game" is a game in which not a single batter reaches first base, and it is a special achievement by the pitcher

16. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) An "RBI" (run batted in) is when a batter hits a base hit that allows a baserunner on his team to score a run B) "Left on base" refers to the baserunners who were on base when the third out was recorded C) "Bullpen" is the area where the catchers warm up before the game D) "Caught stealing" is when a baserunner is put out while attempting to steal a base

17. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) "Intentional walk" is always when a batter deliberately waits for 4 balls from the pitcher B) "Dugout" is a term for the player benches C) A "line drive" is always when the ball bounces exactly once off the ground D) Baserunners are in "scoring position" on second and third base because they could score on a single hit

18. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) The "batter's box" is a marked area to the left and right of home plate in which the batter must stand while batting B) "Major League" is an American baseball league for children and youth C) A relay is a fielder who positions himself in a straight line between the outfielder and the catcher, catches the ball from the outfielder and throws it to the catcher D) A "single hit" is any batted ball caught by spectators

19. Select the correct definitions

More than one answer may be correct.

A) "Interference" is always when a baserunner or batter blocks or obstructs a fielder B) A "balk" is an illegal motion by the pitcher. When the umpire calls "That's a balk!", the baserunners may advance one base C) "Foul lines" are lines from home plate to third base and first base that extend into the outfield and mark the playable area D) A "foul ball" only occurs when the ball lands in the spectator stands

20. The order in which batters come up to bat (batting order) must be followed. If a batter is skipped, the opposing team may file a protest. Who is out (out by rule) after the protest, and what else must be considered?

A) The batter who should have batted is out, and the batter after him now comes up to bat B) The batter who should have batted is out, and so are all baserunners C) The batter who should have batted is out, and the first batter in the batting order now comes up to bat D) The batter who should have batted is out, and so is the batter who batted in his place

21. A "force play" always occurs when a baserunner is forced to advance to the next base because all bases ahead of him are occupied. In force play situations, it is enough to step on the base while holding the ball; in all other situations, the baserunner must be tagged (tag out). In which of the following situations is the baserunner "out"?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) Second base is occupied, the third baseman fields the ball and steps on third base B) All bases are empty, the shortstop throws to first base, the first baseman catches the ball and steps on the base C) The baserunner on first base attempts to steal second base. The catcher throws to second base, the second baseman catches the ball and steps on the base D) First base is occupied, the shortstop throws the ball to second base, the second baseman catches the ball and steps on the base

22. "Dead ball" in baseball means that no further plays are allowed until all players are back in position and the umpire calls "play." Which of the following situations is a "dead ball"?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) When a foul ball has landed (the foul ball was not caught) B) When a baserunner commits "interference" or a fielder commits "obstruction" C) When a fielder catches a fly ball D) When the ball goes into dead ball territory (e.g. the spectator stands)

23. With a "sacrifice fly," an out is sacrificed for a run. Therefore, one speaks of a "sacrifice fly" only when:

A) When a fly ball is caught in the outfield (fly out) B) When a baserunner, immediately after a fly out in the outfield, is able to score a run following a "tag up" C) The fly ball was caught but the baserunner was unable to score a run D) The fly out is the 3rd out and the inning is over

24. "Obstruction" always occurs when a baserunner is blocked or hindered on his way to the next base. In which situations are fielders not required to clear the path for baserunners?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) When fielders are fielding the ball, e.g. the ball rolls to the shortstop, a baserunner may not hinder him while fielding it B) With fewer than 2 outs (no outs or 1 out) C) When a fielder is in possession of the ball and wants to tag out a baserunner D) On fly balls far out in the outfield

25. A "bunt" is a special hitting technique in which the batter simply holds out the bat, and the batted ball stays in the infield (usually in front of the pitcher). This technique is used in close games and when at least first base is occupied. What advantages and disadvantages does the bunt technique bring?

More than one answer may be correct.

A) It not only prevents a possible double play, it also advances a baserunner into scoring position B) An advantage is that after a "bunt" you have a baserunner on first base C) The batter is usually out at first base; this is a disadvantage of the "bunt" technique D) A disadvantage is that a "bunt" usually ends in a "double play"

26. The "infield fly" rule prevents fielders from intentionally dropping the ball in the infield and then completing a "double play." The "infield fly" rule applies when:

More than one answer may be correct.

A) When there are fewer than 2 outs (no outs or 1 out) B) There are baserunners at least on first and second base C) When all bases are empty D) The fly ball is easy to catch (catchable with ordinary effort)

27. A tactically wise recommendation for the defensive team is:

A) The infield should position as close to the batter as possible B) On ground balls in the infield with 2 outs, forget about the baserunners on second and third base and make the out at first base (easy out at first) C) The outfield should shift as far to the left as possible against left-handed batters D) The first baseman should always be right-handed

28. A tactically wise recommendation for baserunners is:

A) With fewer than 2 outs, baserunners should always immediately run to the next base on fly balls B) Baserunners should never take off before the ball has been hit C) With 2 outs and a count of 3-2 (full count), take off immediately as soon as the pitcher begins his delivery D) Only attempt "steals" (base stealing) when the base ahead of you is occupied

29. A tactically wise recommendation for the offensive team is:

A) To place the statistically strongest batter as the first batter in the lineup rather than fourth B) Baserunners should always stand very close to the base C) Always slide into first base! (No head-first slide) D) With 0 or 1 out, in the late innings, when baserunners are on first base or first and second base, to use the bunt technique

30. A tactically wise recommendation for batters is:

A) Let the pitcher's first pitch go by even if it clearly comes through the strike zone (take one strike!) B) One should always try to hit pitches that come too close to the body, too high, too low, or too far outside C) Batters should always try to hit fly balls D) Always use the "bunt" in the first inning