# Really, really basic baseball question **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 4, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-really-basic-baseball-question/633654 "2012-09-04T17:24:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-really-basic-baseball-question/633654/1 "2012-09-04T17:24:30Z")
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a late convert to baseball and didn’t start following it until the Nats came to DC in 2005. So there are these weird gaps in my knowledge. Can someone please explain in simple terms what circumstances mean a ball is not in playt? What I mean is, when can runners try to advance to another base. I know the basics, but I get a little murky on some of the more esoteric ways that bases can be stolen. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-really-basic-baseball-question/633654/2 "2012-09-04T17:27:50Z")
As far as I know unless someone calls for time and the request is granted, the ball is in play. Of course when the ball is thrown out of the playing field, the ball is not in play and the runners are directed to advance. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-really-basic-baseball-question/633654/3 "2012-09-04T17:30:33Z")
The ball’s not in play if it’s fouled off, unless it’s caught in foul territory, then it’s still in play. ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-really-basic-baseball-question/633654/4 "2012-09-04T17:39:16Z")
Here’s Wikipedia on when the ball is dead in baseball: [Dead ball - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_ball#Baseball) > [@](#): > > [ul] > [li]A batter is touched by a pitch or a batted ball (hit by pitch)[/li][li] The plate umpire hinders a catcher’s throw attempt and the throw does not directly retire a runner[/li][li] A ball is illegally batted, such as when a batter hits the ball while outside of the batter’s box[/li][li] A foul ball is not caught[/li][li] A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder (including the pitcher)[/li][li] A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher[/li][li] A live ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s equipment or in a fence or in another object on the field[/li][li] Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score[/li][li] A live ball passes out of the playing field (unless it hits or crosses over a base on the ground)[/li][li] A runner or spectator commits interference[/li][li] The defense leaves the field after the game ends[/li][li] An umpire calls time. Umpires typically call “time” after being asked to do so by a participant. An umpire in chief (plate umpire) will also call “time” when:[/li]Weather, darkness or similar conditions make play impossible or dangerous > Light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires to follow the play > An accident incapacitates a player or an umpire > The umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause. > An umpire orders a player or any other person removed from the playing field. > A balk or obstruction is committed and immediate ensuing play ends > The catcher interferes with the batter before the time of pitch > [/ul]