Three Baseball Rules Every Woman Should Know When Dating a Baseball Fanatic

Are you looking to impress your boyfriend with your extensive knowledge of his favorite sport, baseball? It can be intimidating dating or even being friends with someone who knows so much about baseball and you know little to nothing. Here are three baseball rules guaranteed to impress your guy!

My father-in-law taught Little League baseball for eleven years, and he says most guys don't even understand these baseball rules. The rules are a little complicated, but with these explanations, instead of striking out with your guy, you'll be sure to knock him right out of his cleats.

Baseball Rules #1: Infield Fly Rule

Basically, the infield fly rule only applies when there are less than two outs. When there are runners on first and second base, or the bases are loaded, if the batter hits a popup fly ball, it's an automatic out, whether the defense catches the ball or not.

If the baseball is caught, the runners have to tag up (retouch the base they were on) before they can advance to the next base. My expert says this is unusual; normally a runner will not advance when the infield fly rule is in effect. However, if the ball is not caught, the runners can run to the next base, but they can't be forced out. A forced out means the defense touches the base to get the runner out, versus tagging the runner.

This baseball rule was enacted so when a popup in the infield occurred, the defense couldn't fake a catch, drop the ball, and turn a simple out into a double or triple play.

Baseball Rules #2: Home Run Outs (Live Ball Appeal)

Did you know that even if a batter hits a home run, he can still be called out? If a batter misses touching a base during his home run, the defense can do what's called a live ball appeal. A fielder must communicate to the umpire his intention before the next pitch, and then tag the base the runner missed. This can sometimes result in a fourth out, although this situation is extremely rare.

This rule doesn't only apply to home runs. It can be used in almost any hit where a base runner misses the base.

Baseball Rules #3: Dropped Third Strike Rule (or Uncaught Third Strike Rule)

The dropped third strike rule applies if the catcher either drops the ball or doesn't catch the ball on a third strike. In other words, if the pitcher strikes a batter out, and on strike three the catcher fumbles and the ball hits the dirt, the batter can make a run for first base if it's open.

Statistically, in this situation, the pitcher is still credited with the strikeout.

Use these three baseball rules to your advantage

Baseball is a complicated sport with many specific and intricate rules. Next time you are watching baseball with your guy, keep an eye out for these three situations. Casually mention, "Oh, isn't that the infield fly rule?" Even if you are wrong, your guy will be shocked by your grasp of these baseball rules.

Sources:

Wikipedia, "Infield fly rule", http://en.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia, "Appeal play", http://en.wikipedia.org
Wikipedia, "Uncaught third strike", http://en.wikipedia.org