Quote:
Originally posted by Patrick Szalapski
Quote:
Originally posted by bob jenkins
8.4.2 I is the play that gives rise to the "string theory" -- in FED ball, connect the infielders with a piece of string. IF the ball passes the string, a runner hit with the ball is not out (assuming no intent, of course). If the ball has not passed the string, the runner is out.
Situation 13 (the second half) seems to contradict this ("If no infielder had been in position to make a play, the ball would remain live.")
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Good, got it, I understand and like the String Theory.
Anyway, Carl, I don't think you should be so quick to adopt the "new" interpretation: "If the fielder had no chance to field the ball, the runner is NOT OUT." Seems to me to be an error not intended by the rules committee and not merely a rule we don't like.
P-Sz
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Pat:
In 41 years I have never known the FED to go back on one of its "official interpretations" unless the Committee drastically altered black letter law.
Bank on it: They have gone the "common sense" route, which I applaud in this instance.
Fans, players, coaches alike: Everyone has always had a problem with the idea that a runner hit by a batted ball is out UNLESS some fielder was near enough to make a play.
Again and again, we read on the Internet: No fielder could get close to the ball, it hit the runner, and they called him out. Why? That can't be interference.
Well, they have a point. If the batted ball isn't headed for a fielder, and if it hits a runner, it stays in the infield and likely prevents the offense from realizing its full potential.
"Interference, my left garter!" as my Aunt Gertie in Manila says.
FED answered those complaints. In their games, now, a runner hit by a batted ball is not out UNLESS a fielder BEHIND the runner is in position to make a play or the ball passes a fielder.
Example: R2, 0 out, B1 is a stone cold bunter. F5 creeps well in (the wheel is on), so F6 will cover third in case the ball is bunted too hard. R2 decides to steal and instead of bunting B1 swings away. The ball hits R2 about fifteen feet from second.
Picture the scene: F5 is well onto the grass, favoring the foul line; F6 is charging from his shortstop position toward third. F4 has moved toward second, but he's still on the right side of the infield.
There is nothing but air and a runner between a single to the outfield and a run scored. But in NCAA and OBR, since no infielder has a reasonable chance to field the ball (NCAA) or the ball will not pass within arm's reach (PBUC ruling for OBR):
The runner is out!
But not in FED, says the interpretation.
I like it!
Don't you?