UMPIRE
a) Return toss: If the umpire interferes with the catcher’s attempt
to return the ball to the pitcher, the ball is immediately dead, and runners
remain on the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
b) Catcher’s attempt to retire a runner: If the umpire interferes
with a catcher’s attempt to retire a runner (a pick-off play or a throw
to prevent a stolen base), the ball is delayed dead. If the catcher’s
first throw retires a runner, the umpire hindrance is ignored. If the runner
is not retired, the ball is dead and runners return to the bases occupied
at the time of the pitch.
c) Hit by batted ball: If an umpire is hit by a batted ball that has
not passed a fielder (pitcher excepted), the ball is dead. The batter is awarded
first, credited with a single. Other runners remain on the bases occupied
at the time of the pitch unless forced to advance because of the award to
the batter.
