Why do First Basemen after making the final out in an inning "inspect" the ball?
363081
the folks who said they're checking for scuff marks are correct.  Players don't mind if THEIR pitcher uses a scuffed ball, but they don't want the other team's pitcher to have that opportunity. So if the ball is scuffed, they'll toss it into the stands when the inning is over so that the umpire will be forced to supply a clean ball for the team coming up to bat.
619970
the plate is part of the field of play.  however, if the ball then enters foul territory, it is foul.  if it stayed in fair territory, it is fair.\n\nthe same goes for the bases.  if a ball hits third base, it is fair no matter where it goes after that.
135760
It's a new rule that hopes to make the game more exciting (at least thoretically!) especially during the middle (15 to 40) overs when the batting team just knocks around singles instead of going for their shots. \n\nThe earlier fielding restrictions used to to be in place for the first 15 overs (corresponding reductions in rain/bad light delayed matches). The new rules stipulate that the power plays (new name for the restrictions) are broken up into three blocks of 10 over and 5 and 5 overs. A fielding captain has to have the first 10 overs that his side bowls as a powerplay and can then subsequently choose two blocks of 5 overs for enforcing the powerplay. The restrictions are the same (no more than two fielders outside the 30 yard circle). \n\nThe aim is to encourage the batting side to go for their hits and also give the fielding side the flexibility to remove the restrictions after the first 10 overs if the batting side gets off to a flyer. The umpire signals the powerplay by drawing a circle in front of him with his arms.
563051
The situation might change. For instance, if there is only one runner on third base and the pitcher balks, there is suddenly nobody on base. There isn't much reason to intentionally walk a guy at that point. Other than that, I can't really imagine a time when you might do this.
552019
I'd guess that pretty much all of them get hit at some point during the season - foul balls ricocheting backwards are quite common.  There are a total of 68 MLB umpires, so that's probably how many get hit.
1177245
They do this in order for their closer to pursue stats. Being the closer on a team means racking up saves and if you don't give them the opportunity they may become dissatisfied. It really is kind of a dumb reason but then again so are many of the decisions managers and coaches make.
373814
They are negated, a game and it's accompaning stats are not official until after the fifth inning.\nI hope that helps.
1039859
NO they shouldn't be ordering it ESPICALLY after the homeplate Umpire issued a warning. If it is done by the pitcher that is simply how things go and THAT is part of baseball.
1085669
This is an unusual situation but this is how it is handled.  All of the runs that the reliever gives up are earned for the reliever.  However, in the official team stats, the runs are recorded as unearned.  This doesn't happen often but that is how the stats are recorded.
487334
When a team closes the game, and they are WINNING, with any one of it's relievers based on matchups.  They do not have a dominant closer on their team like a Yankees team with Mariano Rivera.  Make sense?
1163839
One thing that I think got overlooked was the final error on the second baseman. While his throw as a little off, take a look at the first basemans foot on the bag. It is in the dead center of the bag?! Any little league first baseman knows that when you place your foot on the bag, you do it on the SIDE of the bag so A) you can stretch your range out more for just such a throw, and B) so you don't get stepped on by the runner. While the throw was wide, the first baseman didn't do the second baseman any favors.
48199
Because if there is a hard hit line drive or grounder they can stop it short before it goes into the outfield.
719048
Wierd rule, but as someone who scores games, I understand it.\n\nThe catcher gets credit for a putout on a strikeout. If the catcher doesn't actually catch the ball, there can't really be a putout. The catcher than has to throw the batter out at first base and the person covering first gets the putout. The catcher gets an assist.
674420
IMPORTANT FACT WITHHELD: Did the 1st baseman tag the runner before the runner touched first base?  If so,NO run. \nHowever, if the runner first touched first base, and the umpire believes that the runner intend to go to 2nd base, then, if the runner going from 3rd base touched home plate prior to the batter/runner being tagged, then the run counts,
576722
they do it to show support for their players. its a sign of defending them, sticking up for them. also if it was a bad call then it puts pressure on the umpire to pay better attention
318045
Unless the ball is ruled dead by the umpire, any runner can attempt to advance.  Since the batter was not entitled to try and advance, he would just be directed back to the batter's box to finish his at-bat.  If the catcher makes a throw to 1st base, it simply creates a better opportunity for the runner at 3rd to score.
717619
By rule, if the catcher fails to catch the first strike, the runner may attempt to advance to first base and must be thrown or tagged out. Occasionally, if the ball gets behind the catcher, the runner may make it to first. If so, he is safe at first just as if he walked or got a base hit.\nThe exception is when first base is occupied at the time -- then, the above rule does not apply and the batter is out.