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Originally Posted by tcannizzo
The "Play On" philosophy begs the question of safety/liability issues.
If you saw the ball, did not kill the play, and a defensive player was struck in the head while the ball was in flight, or a baserunner unaware stepped on the extra ball causing a compound leg fracture.
The question goes beyond its affect on the play. It's how much risk is involved; and would it be a case of gross-negligence if an injury were to occur?
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Seems to me that I've seen far more injuries playing with just the one ball. I was aware of the existence of the one ball, and was also aware that the pitcher intended to hurl it at 50-60 mph toward a spot mere inches from where a nearly defenseless batter stood. Since I have failed to stop play upon become aware of this situation, am I liable for an injury that occurs due to a HBP? Further, I knew that the batter held a sturdy stick in her hands and that she intended to hit the ball as hard as she could, and that the field was made of dirt, and bounces could be unpredictable. Am I liable for the injury that occurs when F6 takes one in the chin after a bad hop? I could go on.
If a ball from another field was entering play in such a way that it could interfere with play or confuse either team, I'd kill it, and "do-over". Other than that, play on.