A runner attempts to steal second and deliberately removes his helmet. Which term best describes the situation?

A runner attempts to steal second and deliberately removes his helmet. Which term best describes the situation?

• A. Ball stays live.
• B. Ball is dead immediately.
• C. Delayed dead ball.
• D. Ball becomes live if the fielder makes a play.

Answer: (C)

When a baserunner removes the helmet during live play, it’s treated as an equipment violation. The ball stays in play for a moment as the play unfolds, and only after the umpire observes the violation is the ball ruled dead. That situation is described as a delayed dead ball—the ball is live at first and then becomes dead later, once the violation is ruled. The other options imply the ball is either never stopped for the violation or stops immediately in a way that doesn’t fit how the rule is applied during ongoing action.

When a baserunner removes the helmet during live play, it’s treated as an equipment violation. The ball stays in play for a moment as the play unfolds, and only after the umpire observes the violation is the ball ruled dead. That situation is described as a delayed dead ball—the ball is live at first and then becomes dead later, once the violation is ruled. The other options imply the ball is either never stopped for the violation or stops immediately in a way that doesn’t fit how the rule is applied during ongoing action.