runner has ascertained by a false start which infielder, whether
second-baseman or short-stop, will cover second-base, the batsman signals
to the runner that he will hit the next ball. As soon as the pitcher
delivers the ball the runner starts for second and the batsman hits the
ball to that part of the infield vacated by the fielder who has gone to
receive the ball at second from the catcher. If successful this play
results in a safe hit, while the runner not infrequently makes, not only
second, but third-base as well. Another instance of team batting is when a
runner is on third-base and the batsman signals that he will hit the next
ball. This enables the runner to get a long start, making his scoring
nearly certain if the batsman succeeds in hitting the ball fairly. If the
ball is hit without the signal and consequent long start by the runner, the
latter is frequently put out at the plate, as the infielder who fields the
ball will ignore the batsman and throw the ball to the catcher to head off
the runner and prevent a run being scored. In close games the
"sacrifice-hit," a part of team batting, is an important element. It
consists, when a runner is on base, of a hit by the batsman resulting in
his own retirement but the advancement to the next base of the runner. The
sacrifice-hit is most frequently a bunt, as this gives the batsman the best
chance of reaching first-base safely, besides surely advancing the runner.
Another kind of sacrifice-hit is a long fly to the outfield. On such a hit
a runner on third-base (as on the other bases) must remain on the base
until after the ball is caught, but the distance from the outfield to the
home-plate is so great that a fast runner can generally beat the ball and
score his run. When men are on bases, coaches are allowed to stand near
first and third bases to direct the runners.

One umpire, who has absolute jurisdiction over all points of play, usually
officiates in base-ball, but, in important games, two umpires are often
employed, one of them standing behind the catcher and calling the good and
bad balls pitched, and the other, posted in the infield, giving decisions
on plays at the bases.

In cases where the game is tied after nine innings, extra ones are played,
the umpire "calling" a game when it becomes too dark to play. In case of
rain, play is suspended by the umpire, who calls the game if the rain
continues for one half-hour. Should play be permanently interrupted th