Quote:
Originally posted by wadeintothem
I agree with your assessment mike, it is not meant to be an automatic out, player position is certainly considered.. but the point is MUCH too much is being judged IMO in the scenarios given.
I wonder how many would disagree with NFHS Case play 2.30.b
Kinda paraphrasing..but you'll get the idea
IFF is on.. popup between home and first with F3 losing sight of the ball because of the sun.. the ball lands without being caught...
Ruling Even though IFF not called its still in effect and B3 is out.
You start judging on players ability, sun, wind, wounds received in previous games, color of mit, etc.. and thats too much into the rule..
Player position.. yeah if no one can catch it at all.. its not IFF.. but doubtless many would normally argue that the ball was not catchable with ordinary effort due to sun, wind skill.. whatever in the NFHS case play presented.
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Losing it in the sun or blown away by the wind, I agree. You don't not call it just because there is such an indication (you grammar hounds gotta love that sentence). However, if it is apparent the fielder just cannot find the ball, that would be another story.
I'd rather error on the side of giving the play a chance than declaring an automatic out. Need to remember, not calling it at it's apex does not excuse the rule. The IFR
can be applied after the play. OTOH, the IF call cannot be undone.
What is the worse case scenario if you do not call it? You rule the BR out and move the runners back to where they were at the TOP and you are a little embarrassed. However, how embarrassed would you be if you do make the call, the infielders never even come close to the ball and all runners are safe without a play?
[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on Feb 2nd, 2006 at 07:35 AM]