It is a delayed dead ball when:

• A. A runner, with the ball in play, attempts to steal second and deliberately removes his helmet.
• B. A ball touches an illegal glove.
• C. The umpire interferes with the catcher who is attempting a throw.
• D. A, B and C.

Answer: (D)

A delayed dead ball happens when the ball stays live through the ongoing action and is only ruled dead after the play finishes or the violation’s impact is determined. In each of these situations, play continues despite the incident, and the proper dead-ball ruling is issued after the play concludes.

• A runner removing his helmet while attempting to steal keeps the ball in play, so the action completes with runners advancing or being put out as appropriate, and the ball is ruled dead after the play.

• If the ball touches an illegal glove, that is an equipment issue addressed after the play, with the ball remaining live during the ensuing action and the dead-ball call coming at the end.

• Umpire interference with the catcher during a throw disrupts the play, but the ball remains live until the outcome of the play is finished, at which point the dead-ball ruling and penalties are applied.

All three fit the concept of a delayed dead ball.