[David B]

Originally posted by mick
A potential problem never manifested itself. But What if?

In the "need to win" bracket (or whatever it's called, cuz there are no losers in LL. ) after a batted ball, the B catcher received a throw from the right side, and an A runner from second rounded third and was three strides from the B catcher who was, by then, holding the thrown ball in the baseline 3 feet from the plate and waiting to apply the tag.

The A runner, leading with his bent forearms, finished the three strides into the catcher, knocking over and injuring the catcher. Due to adjudged malicious contact, the runner was called out, and the runner was ejected. No problem so far. A coaches were embarrassed.

But now to the essence of the potential problem.

Team B brought only nine players to the game. Team A brought 10 players. (Why teams do this I can only imagine and will save my opinion for another time.) With the ejection of A runner, A still could field nine. Because the B catcher "toughed it out", B remained able to play with nine.

What would/could/should we have done if the B catcher would have been unable to complete the game due to the malicious contact of the A runner?

Thanks.
mick

Reference :
3.03 Note 2 - If during a game either team is unable to place nine players on field, opposing manager shall select....
4.17 - If during a game either team is unable to place nine players on field, opposing manager may select.... If no players are available for reentry or if team refuses to place nine players on the field, this shall not be grounds for automatic forfeiture....
Note - A game may not be continued with less than nine (9) players on each team.

I don't do LL but sounds like the game is over if they don't have 8.

Now let me play devil's advocate. Team brings 9 players, (stupid coaches) so their opponent takes out a player on purpose (like the play above) and that team wins the game due to forfeit.

gotta love it.

thanks
David