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Baseball has a set of rules that all those on the field or in the dugout must follow at all times. If someone fails to follow these rules, an umpire will use their discretion to give a reasonable punishment. In the case of particularly bad offenses, it can result in an ejection.
Table of Contents
- Ejections
- When Do Players Get Ejected?
- Who Can Be Ejected in Baseball?
- Ways to Get Ejected
- What Happens After Ejections?
- College Baseball Ejections and Suspensions
- FAQ
Ejections
In baseball, an ejection is the act of an umpire removing a player or coach from the game.There are a variety of actions that can cause an umpire to make an ejection. Once a player or coach is ejected, they cannot reenter the game.
When Do Players Get Ejected?
Under the rules of baseball, umpires are given the power and are required to uphold every rule listed in the Official Baseball Rulebook. When the line has been crossed and someone has interfered with the umpire administering these rules, that is an automatic ejection.
Who Can Be Ejected in Baseball?
The rules of baseballclaims that umpires are not restricted to ruling on players, coaches or managers.They further state that an umpire has authorization from MLB to eject groundskeepers, ushers, photographers, and media personnel who are not supposed to be on the field or are interfering with the game.
Ways to Get Ejected
There are various ways a player, manager, coach, or even stadium staff like photographers can get themselves ejected from a baseball game.
There are 10 main ways to get ejected; three are based on improper play, illegal action, and misconduct. These rules clearly state that it is forbidden for any player, manager, coach, trainer or any other team staff, whether it be from the bench or on the field, to commit any of the following offenses:
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct
- Umpire Disagreements
- Physical Contact
- Distractions
- Leaving the Dugout to Argue With the Umpire
- Returning to a Game After Being Ejected
- Applying Materials or Substances to Game Equipment
- Intentionally Delaying the Game
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes partaking in unsportsmanlike conduct or language, i.e cursing, or encouraging in any way any kind of demonstration from the fans.It can also include negatively talking about the opposing team, the umpire or the umpire’s ruling, or a fan or calling a timeout or saying any sort of language while the play is still live that could distract the player’s focus on the field.
Umpire Disagreements
Umpire disagreements occur when players or coaches openly express displeasure with the umpire’s ruling.If this happens, the umpire will first give a warning. If the behavior continues, the players partaking in the behavior will be ejected from the bench and directed to the team’s clubhouse.
Physical Contact
Making intentional contact with the umpire in any way will result in an ejection and likely a fine or suspension.This includes actions that range from placing one’s hand on an umpire’s shoulder to any threatening action.
Distractions
Positioning oneself in the batter’s line of vision, or intentionally distracting the batter in some way, may result in an ejection.This will usually start as a warning on the first instance.
Leaving the Dugout
Leaving one's position from the base, bench, coach’s box, field or anywhere within the stadium to come and argue with the umpire on their ruling on balls, strikes, or half swings vs. full swings will often result in an ejection. This behavior will result in a warning, and if the individual continues to protest the call, they will be ejected.
Returning to the Field After Ejection
If a player returns to the field after ejection, the manager will then come into question. If, in an umpire’s judgment, the manager knew the player was ejected and should not have returned, the manager will likely also be disqualified.
Applying Materials and Substances to Equipment
A player’s bat handle is often covered or treated with material or substances to improve their grip. If that material or substance is beyond 18 inches from the end of the bat, it is in violation of the rulebook and must be removed from the game.An umpire has the authority to inspect a player'sequipment, and if he discovers that the material or substance on the grip is in violation of the rules, it is grounds for ejecting the player from the game.
Delaying Game
If apitcher is unnecessarily delaying the game; a warning is given.If the pitcher continues the behavior, they will be ejected for continuing to delay the game. Delay of game penalties can be given to other players as well if they do anything to halt the flow of the game.
What Happens After Ejections?
There are quite a few violations that will result in the umpire ejecting a player, coach or manager from the game. Once ejected, the player, coach, or manager has two options:
- Immediately go to the team's clubhouse. The clubhouse is connected to the dugout and it is expected that no one will be hearing or seeing that individual again for the remainder of the game.
- Change into street clothes and either leave the park or take a seat in the grandstand, far away from the vicinity of his team’s bench or bullpen.
After being ejected, the individual may be subjected to additional penalties, such as suspension or fines. This will be determined by their respective League President.
College Baseball Ejections and Suspensions
College baseball features the same ejection format and largely the same reasons for ejection found at other levels of baseball. What is worth noting in college baseball is the presence of post-participation ejections and the NCAA’s suspension policy present in baseball.
Suspensions in NCAA baseball are typically two games for position players who aggressively dissent an umpire’s calls, whereas such suspensions typically carry a duration of four games for pitchers. The NCAA also features post-participation ejections, which are ejections that happen after a player has already been removed from the game or after the game has concluded. Most notably, post-participation ejections that are handed out after the last out of a game has been recorded result in the offending player or coach being ineligible for the next game.
FAQ
What happens if a player/coach refuses to leave the field post ejection?
A player or coach refusing to leave the field post ejection will typically result in a fine and suspension.The most famous example of this is probably former manager Bobby Valentine, who snuck back into his dugout with the Mets sporting a fake mustache as a disguise after being ejected. Valentine was fined $5,000 and suspended two games for his antics.
Can a fan be ejected from a baseball game?
Yes, an umpire is allowed to eject fans and other spectators at their discretion.This is a rare occurrence but can happen in cases of extreme disorderly behavior on the part of a spectator. This can include incessant jeering or cursing from the stands, streaking, or throwing objects onto the field.
Can an ejection be overturned?
No, an ejection in baseball cannot be overturned.Once an umpire makes the decision to call an ejection, it cannot be overturned. Even if the ejection was not justified, the player, coach or fan must leave for the remainder of the game.
What is the signal for an ejection?
When an umpire makes an ejection, they point at the player, and make a throwing motion with two fingers towards the sky.This is meant to signify the player or coach being “thrown” out of the game.
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Pages Related to Baseball Ejection Rules
- Baseball Designated Runner Rule
- Baseball Fair Or Foul Ball Rules
- Baseball Fielder Right of Way Rules
- Baseball Fielding
- Baseball Disabled List
- Baseball Designated Hitter Rules
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