Minimum pitch count 2

[karluk]

In honor of Justin Verlander's sweep of the American League MVP and Cy Young Awards, here is a baseball question for your consideration. I apologize in advance for posting a problem that requires knowledge of the rules of baseball, but I can assure you that the knowledge required is minimal. Even a casual fan knows enough to get the right answer without opening the rule book to section 3, part 1, subparagraph b.

What is the minimum number of pitches a MLB pitcher must throw in order to pitch a complete game? For the purposes of this question, assume that "complete game" means a game that goes the normal length, and is not called by rain, or any other reason.

 

[CajunCenturion]

[hide]That would be an illegal kick[/hide]

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[randy700]

In response to CC's football question.

Spoiler

Team A scores a touchdown - 6 points.
Team B blocks the extra point attempt, recovers the ball, and returns it to the opponents end zone - 1 point.

Randy

 

[karluk]

[hide]I just check the NFL rules, and it says that the defensive team can't score during a "try". But the college, and possibly the high school rules, are different. The only other scenario I can think of that might possibly score one point for the defense is if it scores a safety during the conversion attempt. Naturally, that would require extremely unusual circumstances, such as an offensive player retreating almost the entire length of the field into his own end zone and being tackled there.

If that's not right, I'll give up and see if someone else can figure it out.[/hide]

 

[SidYuca]

The NFL also has a one-point "conversion safety" rule, but such a safety can only be scored by the offense. According to former NFL referee Jerry Markbreit:

Under NFL rules, an unsuccessful extra-point is dead if kicked, but while attempting a two-point try, it is possible for a safety to be ruled if the defensive team forces the ball back into their own end zone and they recover. One point would be awarded [to the offense], instead of the two points that are normally awarded for safeties. Although the offense would still kick off, since they just scored a touchdown.[9]

 

[CajunCenturion]

@SidYuca
[hide]Jerry Markbreight's descriptions shows how the offense can score one point on a try, but that doesn't preclude the defense from also scoring a one point safety.[/hide]

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Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something. - Plato

 

[CajunCenturion]

@karluk
[hide]Yes, that is correct, but it's more likely that the defense advances that ball down the field and then fumbles and offense recovers in the field of play, then retreats into its own end zone where downed. Since it's on a try, it's a one-point safety for the defense.[/hide]

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Good Luck
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read
FAQ181-2886
Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something. - Plato

 

[SkipVought]

From an umpire's perspective, the most important baseball rule, is 9.01(c).

Here's a faux baseball question.

Baseball park next to a farm.

Batter hits ball to fence, where there is a gully directly under the fence.

Ball rolls into the gully directly under the fence.

As the fielder reaches into the gully to field the ball, a pig on the outside of the fence, grabs the ball in the gully and runs off.

You make the call.

Spoiler

Inside the pork home run!

Skip,
[sub]
Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE![/sub]

 

[karluk]

Yep, 9.01(c) is definitely the umpire's best friend.

Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.

 

[SkipVought]

A local men's BB team in Dallas is playing a tournament with a traveling team from out-of-country.

Visitors at bat, one out, runners at first & second.

Pop fly to second baseman. Umpires yell, "Infield fly if fair!" Second baseman attempts a catch and drops the ball. Batter is called OUT. Visitors complain in their native tongue. The call stands.

Several innings later, the visitors in the field, no outs, runners at first and second.

Pop fly to first basemen. Umpires yell, "Infield fly if fair!" First baseman smugly decides to let the ball drop, and it falls to the ground and rolls foul between home and first. Batter is awarded a foul ball strike. Visitors again complain and a sympathetic home-town fan throws a full can of Coors at the umpire, who, with his partner, beat a hasty escape to their vehicles.

Skip,
[sub]
Just traded in my old subtlety...
for a NUANCE![/sub]

 

[kwbMitel]

The infield fly rule is in place specifically to prevent fielders from intentionally dropping the ball to get a chance at a double play. If it were not there, the fans would've been doubly mad (pun intended)

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What's most important is that you realise ... There is no spoon.