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Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
"near the 1B line". IFR cannot be effected until the batted ball is fair, therefore the BR is NOT until that is determined.
There is no way R1 can be returned to 3B in this play. It's not a great ruling, but it is by the book.
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Not what the rule says.
And remember this was predicated on the rule book, not common sense.
Rule 8-2 Batter-Runner is out:
F. When the batter-runnner interferes with:....a fielder attempting to field a batter ball.
I When an infield fly is DECLARED.
In this case the batter/runner by continuing to run can be called for interference since the fielder is near the base line.
Whether the ball is fair or foul is immaterial to the penalty...Remember the case cited said interferernce to break up a double play:
If the ball is fair the already out batter was guilty of interference, by definition, when he continued to run after being declared out...and, if foul, would be guilty of interference by 8-2-f . In either case the umpire would be justifed in calling the runner nearest the plate out.
I think this is a good example of how answering a narrowly drawn question, while getting the correct answer, does not necessarily mean that, under the same circumstances in a real game, there would not be a reason to make another ruling.