Quote:
|
Originally Posted by pdxblue
You see, I like how ALL of this talks about a runner/fielder in proximity of each other, but DOES NOT deal with the actual play described.
There is NOWHERE, and NOTHING in the rule book that supports the ruling the way eofficial describes it!
Runner one step off of second base, infielders are playing in, and a line drive batted ball hits the runner. You are going to call him out?
You better cock your ejection finger!
|
I understand what you're saying, and here's a play from the J/R that somewhat supports your position.
R3 and R1, first baseman is playing "in" (several feet in front of R1, who is leading off). The batter hits a hard grounder to the first baseman's right. He cannot touch it and it strikes R1. The second baseman had no chance of fielding the ball: no interference The ball is live.
I think the key in the eofficials answer verses the Roder ruling is all in how we envision the play. The Roder ruling mentions that the priveledged fielder
cannot touch it. The eofficials ruling must have the fielder still being able to reach the ball although it says he cannot make the play.
Then this is what's found in the MLBUM.
(9) Runner on first base, first baseman positioned in front of the runner. Batter hits a ground ball just outside the reach of the first baseman as the first baseman dives to his right. The ball then strikes the runner.
Ruling: In this play the ball is considered having passed by an infielder. The umpire must now judge if another infielder has the chance to make a play on the ball. If the umpire judges yes, then the runner is declared out. If the umpire judges no, the ball is alive and in play.
Tim.