If a ball contacts a base umpire, what is the standard consequence?

• A. The ball remains dead, and play is halted.
• B. The call must be made by the nearest umpire regardless.
• C. The ball remains live, and the call may be influenced by the umpire’s position.
• D. The ball is foul.

Answer: (C)

When a live ball touches an umpire, play does not automatically end. The ball remains live, and the umpire uses his position and view to make the call based on where the ball ends up and how it travels. Because the umpire’s angle can affect whether the ball is ruled fair or foul or how runners are judged, the call may be influenced by where he is standing and how he sees the play. For example, a line drive that hits a base umpire but continues into fair territory keeps the ball in play, and the umpire’s observation will guide the final ruling.