Quote:
Originally posted by SC Ump
Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
...The fielders have the right of way to field a batted ball...
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I believe you covered this in the "wrinkle" paragraph, but I just wanted to make sure of my understanding of most codes: The umpire must decide which specific fielder has a play on the ball and only that fielder has the right of way to field the batted ball. The other fielders must yield right of way to the runner(s).
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Only one fielder is "protected" as only one can field the ball.
I don't think an umpire would refuse to protect any fielder which was in the proximity to make the play on the batted ball in the scenario we are discussing here (pop-up). My statement was made to denote that all the defenders in the area of the play have the right-of-way.