If a pitch or a thrown ball touches an umpire, what is the status of the ball?

When a pitch or a thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball remains live and in play. This is an important aspect of the rules as umpires are considered part of the field and their presence does not alter the status of the ball. The intent behind this rule is to maintain the flow of the game and to avoid unnecessary stoppages that could disrupt the rhythm of play.

It is essential to recognize that umpires are considered to be part of the field of play; hence, contact with them does not result in a dead ball situation. This allows for continuous play, ensuring that the game progresses without interruption unless a specific rule dictates otherwise. The idea is that, unlike players or equipment from outside the field, the umpires' presence is an expected part of the game structure.