What does the term 'ball' mean in NFHS rules?

• A. A playing implement necessary to conduct a game.
• B. A designation of a pitch that is not touched by the bat.
• C. A way of describing a pitch that is not a strike.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

In NFHS baseball, the term ball has more than one meaning. It can refer to the actual playing equipment—the ball used to play the game. It can also refer to a pitch that is not a strike, which is the umpire’s call when the pitch is outside the strike zone and the batter does not swing. Because both senses are valid in NFHS rules, all of these statements are describing legitimate uses of the word. The pitch outside the strike zone that the batter doesn’t touch is a ball, and that’s why it’s also described as a pitch that is not a strike. So, “All of the above” is the best answer.