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Originally Posted by bkbjones
Bases loaded. 1 out. Tie score, bottom of 8th. Count is 3-0. Next pitch is ball four. Runner from third scores, game over.
Or is it? Batter became a runner with the award of first base on ball four, but never advanced.
With less than two outs, this doesn't seem to me to be a big issue about the batter-runner not advancing (unless there is something I am overlooking). It COULD have been if other runners did not advance, but I believe the others did advance to their base. (I was not one of the umpires for this game, but was watching the tail end of it.)
With two outs, it could be a big issue.
So...what do you do as an umpire?
Does the defense have to appeal the batter-runner not advancing to first?
Is the ball dead as soon as the runner from 3B scores? Or does it remain live?
What of the runners on 1st and 2nd? If THEY don't advance, could they be called out?
If the batter-runner advances to first, but one of the other runners doesn't advance to their base, what happens?
At what point could a play or appeal be made on a runner (or batter-runner) for failing to advance?
And...what should the umpires do? They probably wouldn't want to give the whole thing away by their actions...
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Didn't we just cover this a little while ago, or a similar situation? Or was that on another board? Yep, senility is coming on strong
There are a couple of selling points. ASA rule book states the runner on 3rd is entitled to advance without liability to be put out when forced to vacate the base due to the batter being awarded 1B on a walk. Does that mean the run automatically scores? Don't know, but can you sell it?
As the umpire, I'm going to be watching a few things. Obviously, the runner(s), the infielders and then, I'll be watching what the coaches are watching. Once that runner scores, I will be looking for my partner to join me to exit the field and no, I'm not running. I'm doing exactly what the umpires are supposed to do. The time I'm waiting for my partner, or s/he is waiting for me, is a reasonable amount of time for the defense to make any appeal. As I stated, I will see what the defense's coach is watching, so I will have a pretty good idea if s/he has any intention of having a player make an appeal.
If the base umpire is on their game, s/he will not come dashing off the field on ball four, but execute the same mechanic as they would if this were not a game-winning issue. This will sometimes let the coaches know that you are looking for the bases to be touched. Same for the PU. Remove the mask and step out to an area which you will be able to see R1 touch the plate and do it with intent, not watching over the shoulder while walking toward the gate.
If an appeal is made, there is another piece of the puzzle of which the umpire must be aware. Does anyone "aid" the runner toward 1B.
However, like it or not, if the defense makes the proper appeals, and the umpire is still in position to make the call, it must be made. Here is where it gets touchy. Unless the runners are not in jeopardy and haven't left the field of play, they are still entitled to advance to the next base, by rule. So, if none of the runners were aided, the appeal cannot be valid until one of the runners have actually entered DBT and the defense still has at least one infielder in fair territory.