When is the ball immediately considered dead?

In baseball, the ball is considered dead in several specific situations. When it leaves the field, it is indeed dead since no further play can occur until it is retrieved or a new ball is put in play. Similarly, when a player is hit by a pitched ball, the play is also dead; the batter is awarded first base, and the ball is no longer in play as players cannot advance or make plays on the ball while it is in this state. Additionally, when an umpire calls time or indicates that the ball is dead, play stops completely and the ball is no longer live.

Therefore, the choice that states the ball is immediately considered dead in all of the given circumstances accurately encompasses all instances when the ball becomes dead. Each condition leads to the same conclusion about the status of the ball. This comprehensive understanding allows umpires and players to recognize key moments in the game when play must cease for safety or rule compliance.