A double or triple play is credited to fielders when two or three players are put out between the time a pitch is delivered and the ball next becomes dead or is next in possession of the pitcher in pitching position.

• A. Before the pitch is delivered.
• B. After the ball becomes dead.
• C. Between the pitch and the ball becoming dead or possession by the pitcher.
• D. On a ball that is hit into foul territory.

Answer: (C)

The timing window for a double or triple play is from the moment the pitch is delivered until the ball next becomes dead or is in the pitcher’s possession in pitching position. Any two or three players must be put out within that live-ball interval for the play to count as a double or triple play.

This matters because the outs have to occur while the ball is still alive and the play is continuing. If the ball becomes dead first, the play is over and additional outs don’t count toward the same play. Similarly, if the action happens before the pitch is delivered, there is no live-ball sequence to begin with.

For example, a ground ball where the defense records a force out at second and then throws to first for a second out, all before the ball is declared dead, qualifies as a double play. If the ball is dead at any point before a second out is made, that out wouldn’t be part of the same play. While a foul ball can occur during the live sequence, the defining factor is that the outs occur during the window described above, not after the ball is dead.