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Baseball Field Guide, Fourth Edition: An In-Depth Illustrated Guide to the Complete Rules of Baseball
A great overview for novices and a precise reference guide for hard-core fans!
Admit it: Even if you’re a die-hard fan of our national pastime, sometimes an umpire's call can be baffling. And for newer fans, Major League Baseball's nuanced rules—developed and revised over many decades—can be downright perplexing.
Do you know the twenty-two ways a pitcher can be charged with a balk?
Can you list all seven ways a batter can safely get to first base?
Obstruction or interference—who’s at fault when things get rough?
What are the rules that apply before and after a game?
What happens when spectators are the ones who misbehave?
How well do you understand the infamous Infield Fly Rule (and why does it exist)?
Admit it: Even if you’re a die-hard fan of our national pastime, sometimes an umpire's call can be baffling. And for newer fans, Major League Baseball's nuanced rules—developed and revised over many decades—can be downright perplexing.
Now updated throughout with the latest changes, including specifications about the universal designated hitter and limits on defensive shifts, the Baseball Field Guide lays out every rule in plain English. You’ll learn to answer all these questions and more:
Do you know the twenty-two ways a pitcher can be charged with a balk?
Can you list all seven ways a batter can safely get to first base?
Obstruction or interference—who’s at fault when things get rough?
What are the rules that apply before and after a game?
What happens when spectators are the ones who misbehave?
How well do you understand the infamous Infield Fly Rule (and why does it exist)?
This is the clearest explanation anywhere of the rules of baseball. Designed for quick and intuitive searches, this entertaining reference will help you understand every aspect of the game and add to your enjoyment of the sport.
- GenresSportsBaseballNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2023
12 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 15, 2023
5 stars
I decided it would be a really good idea to get into baseball for real because I read a baseball romance book or two and was ~influenced ~. I thought I would be able to pick it up quick because I've been regularly exposed to baseball as I am a red blooded American and you can't go five feet without ending up in a ballpark or watching Moneyball again. But that was my sports watching hubris tricking me because baseball is absolute nonsense to watch (or listen to) if you don't know what's going on.
That's where this book comes in! I wanted a quick reference for the structure of the game and the rules because the best way to tell sportsbros they are wrong on the internet is with citations. The baseball field guide was especially helpful because it has a chapter on how the game is played and what the heck is going on out there, helpful diagrams, a description of all eight million ways a balk can happen, and descriptions and diagrams for all the other (written) Rules of Baseball. It has helped me open my third eye to the Knowledge of the Baseball and I can now mostly understand what's going on and argue with people online about it after.
I have not read it cover to cover because it's meant as more of a quick reference when a baseball thing happens in a game so I look it up when my team does something to better understand what the heck just happened and why. Next up is looking up the infield fly rule lol.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick reference on baseball rules! Go Rays!
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I decided it would be a really good idea to get into baseball for real because I read a baseball romance book or two and was ~influenced ~. I thought I would be able to pick it up quick because I've been regularly exposed to baseball as I am a red blooded American and you can't go five feet without ending up in a ballpark or watching Moneyball again. But that was my sports watching hubris tricking me because baseball is absolute nonsense to watch (or listen to) if you don't know what's going on.
That's where this book comes in! I wanted a quick reference for the structure of the game and the rules because the best way to tell sportsbros they are wrong on the internet is with citations. The baseball field guide was especially helpful because it has a chapter on how the game is played and what the heck is going on out there, helpful diagrams, a description of all eight million ways a balk can happen, and descriptions and diagrams for all the other (written) Rules of Baseball. It has helped me open my third eye to the Knowledge of the Baseball and I can now mostly understand what's going on and argue with people online about it after.
I have not read it cover to cover because it's meant as more of a quick reference when a baseball thing happens in a game so I look it up when my team does something to better understand what the heck just happened and why. Next up is looking up the infield fly rule lol.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick reference on baseball rules! Go Rays!
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 5, 2024
The subtitle sums it up.
Formosa and Hamburger start from the most basic rules and travel all the way to the intricacies of the balk rule and the infield fly rule. The explanations are clear and concise. They frequently have well diagramed examples for complicated rules and informative lists like "The Ways a Batter Can be Awarded First Base". There are nine ways. Number nine is "a fielder touches a pitched ball with his cap".
The official rules are complicated. IRS code level complicated. There is a 12-page section on the distinctions between interference, obstructions and collisions that gets into some metaphysical distinctions about right of way and the effect of intentionality. The chapter on the job of the official scorer gave me new respect for that job.
Two odd things that hit me.
The first paragraph of the "Baseball Basics" section explains that the bases are run "counterclockwise". I had to think about that. It had never occurred to me. Could the game be played "clockwise"? Is the current system just another example of how the world is designed to favor right handers by making it easier for them to get out of the batter's box? Just asking.
Second. This new revised edition includes all of the most recent changes to MLB. It is a reminder that even though baseball is always harping on its tradition, the game has massively changed. I became really aware of baseball in 1967, for obvious reasons for a Boston boy. Since then
helmets were required,
spitballs were really barred,
the strike zone was changed three times,
designated hitters were allowed in the AL,
instant replay was introduced,
slides to break up a play were barred,
substitute pitchers have to face three batters or to the end on an inning,
seven inning doubleheaders,
NL adopts DH,
intentional walks don't have to be pitched,
runner on second base in extra-inning games,
base sizes increased,
defensive shifts banned,
pitch clock
base bath expanded
And these are just the big ones. I am sure I missed some. This is not a tradition bound game and the pace and significance of rules changes seems to be accelerating.
Formosa and Hamburger start from the most basic rules and travel all the way to the intricacies of the balk rule and the infield fly rule. The explanations are clear and concise. They frequently have well diagramed examples for complicated rules and informative lists like "The Ways a Batter Can be Awarded First Base". There are nine ways. Number nine is "a fielder touches a pitched ball with his cap".
The official rules are complicated. IRS code level complicated. There is a 12-page section on the distinctions between interference, obstructions and collisions that gets into some metaphysical distinctions about right of way and the effect of intentionality. The chapter on the job of the official scorer gave me new respect for that job.
Two odd things that hit me.
The first paragraph of the "Baseball Basics" section explains that the bases are run "counterclockwise". I had to think about that. It had never occurred to me. Could the game be played "clockwise"? Is the current system just another example of how the world is designed to favor right handers by making it easier for them to get out of the batter's box? Just asking.
Second. This new revised edition includes all of the most recent changes to MLB. It is a reminder that even though baseball is always harping on its tradition, the game has massively changed. I became really aware of baseball in 1967, for obvious reasons for a Boston boy. Since then
helmets were required,
spitballs were really barred,
the strike zone was changed three times,
designated hitters were allowed in the AL,
instant replay was introduced,
slides to break up a play were barred,
substitute pitchers have to face three batters or to the end on an inning,
seven inning doubleheaders,
NL adopts DH,
intentional walks don't have to be pitched,
runner on second base in extra-inning games,
base sizes increased,
defensive shifts banned,
pitch clock
base bath expanded
And these are just the big ones. I am sure I missed some. This is not a tradition bound game and the pace and significance of rules changes seems to be accelerating.
May 8, 2023
This year my satellite TV package includes a full baseball lineup so I’m getting serious on baseball (female here). Today I just spent an entire afternoon going through this book cover to cover (my husband was amused). I know most of the basics, but wow, there’s a lot I don’t know. This reference guide includes the what’s and why’s. It has a clear, concise layout. It’s easy to flip through and land on the right section, and it’s visually inviting. The copy is easy to digest, I don’t glaze over. There are great side notes in blue boxes. I only wish there was a spiral-bound version so I could keep it open.
Random subjects include:
The PitchCom Transmitter
Mitts vs gloves
Switch-hitter vs switch-pitcher - Pat Venditte Rule
Defensive shifts - Joey Gallo rule
Rules of Baseball vs Major League Constitution
Interference vs obstruction
No Games vs Suspended Games
Funny tries at cheating
Interesting things I learned:
- A player can possibly play for both teams on a completed suspended game.
- Baseballs are stored in a humidor with special mud applied (maybe soon to change).
- All ballfields have their own dimensions, foul territory too (book includes stadium diagrams).
- Shiny jewelry is a no-go for pitchers along with white or gray gloves, white or gray sleeves.
- When a hitter runs to first base they need to be outside of the base line at the halfway point.
- When a hitter overruns first base they can turn to second, just not attempt to advance.
Random subjects include:
The PitchCom Transmitter
Mitts vs gloves
Switch-hitter vs switch-pitcher - Pat Venditte Rule
Defensive shifts - Joey Gallo rule
Rules of Baseball vs Major League Constitution
Interference vs obstruction
No Games vs Suspended Games
Funny tries at cheating
Interesting things I learned:
- A player can possibly play for both teams on a completed suspended game.
- Baseballs are stored in a humidor with special mud applied (maybe soon to change).
- All ballfields have their own dimensions, foul territory too (book includes stadium diagrams).
- Shiny jewelry is a no-go for pitchers along with white or gray gloves, white or gray sleeves.
- When a hitter runs to first base they need to be outside of the base line at the halfway point.
- When a hitter overruns first base they can turn to second, just not attempt to advance.
February 23, 2023
Are you new to watching or participating in baseball? Curious why that runner was called out? Wonder why this batter got to go to first base without hitting the ball?
Are you just confused about the rules? Want to know more?
This is the all purpose-everything you want to know Baseball book for you .
Literally covers everything….and I mean everything.uniforms, gloves, the balls, the scorecard, the field,
Every player position. The rules of what is allowed or not. The umpires, the leagues. Drugs allowed and not, Betting, skirmishes, spectator interference, the playoffs.
Brilliantly done, fan and casual reader friendly.. highly recommend this one!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.
Are you just confused about the rules? Want to know more?
This is the all purpose-everything you want to know Baseball book for you .
Literally covers everything….and I mean everything.uniforms, gloves, the balls, the scorecard, the field,
Every player position. The rules of what is allowed or not. The umpires, the leagues. Drugs allowed and not, Betting, skirmishes, spectator interference, the playoffs.
Brilliantly done, fan and casual reader friendly.. highly recommend this one!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me this ARC.
December 28, 2023
Got this book because my son is really getting into baseball and I want to know what I’m talking about at his games - haha. Now I can talk about the infield fly rule with the best of ‘em!
April 5, 2025
The format made it difficult to read and it was repetitive to the extreme. Other than those major issues a good book.
June 20, 2025
Great reference for baseball informational tidbits. Nothing too in-depth but it covers a lot of ground. Good for anyone wanting to pay closer attention.
April 16, 2023
It’s all there. A comprehensive guide to all you need to know about baseball rules, statistics, and the professional leagues. Demystify the roster of a Major League team. Find out the required storage temperature and humidity percentage for baseballs. Calculate your favorite pitcher’s Earned Run Average. This edition has all the updated rule changes for the 2023 season. Play ball!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews