Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich Ives
The rule you quoted uses the word "play" but you say no play is required. Does Not Compute!
I would contend that once F4 booted the ball there is no longer a play being made. I'm not quite sure because I can't find a FED definition of "play" but in OBR it's a legitimate attempt to retire a runner which you can't do in this case without the ball.
|
However, the rule does specifically mention a "force play", and that is defined: A force play situation is in effect from the moment the batter becomes a runner, and is not ended until the runner is put out, reaches his advance base, or a trailing runner is put out. A force play does not need a ball or a play. In the OP, the runner is not sliding on a direct line to the base, nor sliding/running away from the fielder. By rule, this is a FPSR violation.
Now, I admit that getting two outs here seems a little over the top, but that's what the rule requires, in both FED and NCAA.