Quote:
Originally posted by David Emerling
As a means of providing additional coverage to the definition of a foul ball, Rule 2-16-1e was added. It states that a ball inadvertently declared foul by an umpire that touches the ground is a dead ball. (my emphasis)
|
Notice that the modifying phrase, "that touches the ground," appears immediately after the noun, "umpire." Thus, the phrase modifies "umpire," not "ball." That is, when inadvertently declared foul by an
umpire who is touching the ground, the ball is dead.
Clearly, the solution would be to leap into the air every time you call "foul ball!" That way, the provisions of this rule would not apply, and if you screw it up you can go back and fix it.
Poorly written rule? You betcha.