Can You Challenge A Pitch In Baseball?
Contents
Can you challenge a pitch in baseball? It’s a common question, and one that has a bit of a complicated answer. Here’s a rundown of the rules governing challenging pitches in baseball.
The Process
When it comes to baseball, there are a lot of rules that govern the game. One of those rules is that the umpire has final say on all calls made during the game. That includes calls made on the field, as well as calls made during a review.
You must have a reasonable explanation
If the batter does not like the called strikes, he can shake his head or step out of the batter’s box to indicate his disagreement with the call. If the batter does this, the catcher will usually walk out to meet with the umpire and pitcher to discussed the called strikes. If the batter continues to disagreed with called strikes, he can be ejected from the game.
The umpire will make a decision
The umpire will make a decision on whether the pitch was a ball or a strike. If the pitch is called a ball, the batter will walk to first base. If the pitch is called a strike, the batter will be out.
You can be ejected from the game
If the batter or runner thinks the pitch is unfair or they don’t like the call, they can voice their opinion to the umpire. If the player continues to argue, they will be ejected from the game.
What Happens Next
You’ve seen it a million times. The pitcher winds up, the batter swings, and the ball sails harmlessly over the infield for what should be an easy out. But then, the unthinkable happens: the catcher drops the ball.
The call will be reviewed
If the umpire believes the call was incorrect, he will convene with the other umpires to review the play. During this review, they will discuss what each of them saw and make a decision on whether or not to overturn the original call. If they decide that the call was incorrect, they will signal for the runner(s) to be awarded the base/bases they would have reached had the correct call been made.
The decision will be overturned or confirmed
If the call is challenged, the umpires will convene and review the play using a tablet connected to MLB’s Replay Command Center in New York City. MLB’s Replay Operations Center will make the final call on whether to overturn or confirm the original ruling on the field. The entire process usually takes about two minutes.
Play will resume
The batter will either step back in the batter’s box or wandered off toward first base. The umpire will call “time” and then confer with the catcher, who will usually come out to the mound for a brief conference.
The manager may also come out to have a word with his pitcher (or, in some cases, to take him out of the game). After everyone has had their say, play will resume.
