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How do base umpires help enforce baseball rules?
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Baseball
Freddie Freeman, shown here in a 2023 game, was named World Series MVP in 2024 after hitting four home runs and driving in 12 runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In baseball, base umpires are officials stationed near first, second, and third base who work alongside the home-plate umpire to conduct the game and enforce its rules.12
Their primary responsibilities include:
- Ruling on Base Plays: Base umpires are responsible for calling runners safe or out at their respective bases.2
- Determining Fair or Foul Balls: Along with the home-plate umpire, base umpires may rule whether a hit ball is fair (within the foul lines) or foul (beyond the foul lines).12
- Calling Illegal Motions: Any umpire, including those on the bases, has the authority to call an illegal pitching motion known as a balk.2
- Assisting with Appeals: Base umpires may be consulted by fellow officials if an umpire was out of position to see a play clearly. Additionally, the first- or third-base umpire may be appealed to regarding whether a batter has taken a full swing for a strike or checked their swing.12