Thu May 12, 2011, 10:25pm
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Official Forum Member
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,057
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DG,
That's correct.
The point is that the defense (not just the infielders) have the right to an unhindered opportunity to field a fair batted ball.
This is what the MLBUM has to say on the subject:
Quote:
The interpretation to be made with regard to the phrase "a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him" (Official Baseball Rules 7.09(m) and 5.09(f)) is that this refers to a ball that passes through the infielder's legs, or by his immediate vicinity, and strikes a runner directly behind the infielder.
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(5) Runners on first and second, both runners stealing. Batter shows bunt, the first and third basemen move in, and the shortstop moves to cover third. The batter swings at the last minute and hits a ground ball in the direction of the shortstop position. However, the shortstop has
moved to cover third base, and no one is in position to field the ball. The ground ball strikes the runner advancing from second base.
Ruling: Runner from second is declared out for being struck by a batted ball. The batter-runner is placed at first base. The ball is not considered to have gone through or by an infielder in this play.
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JM
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Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from all.
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