Quote:
Originally posted by Skahtboi
Quote:
Originally posted by WillyS
I had this very thing happen last week in a High School Varsity game(NFHS).
Bottom of the 7th, bases loaded, one out, score tied 2 - 2.
I'm PU, Batter hits two hopper to the pitcher, throw goes home to F2 for force out, Catcher steps up and throws to first. BR comes out of the running lane about two steps before the bag. Just as BR's lead leg is in the air to touch 1B, throw hits her in the top of the helmet and caroms into RF.
1b was reaching for the ball and appeared she may have contacted it too. I did not rule interference in this case, since I felt the BR needs to come out of the running lane at some point to touch the bag. (Double base not being used). Partner felt the same.
Losing coach came over while we were changing in the parking lot and asked if interference could/should have been ruled.
Did I make the right call?
|
Judgement call. So yes, from what you described, I would say that you probably did make the correct call, though of course, it is a HTBT kind of play. You are right in saying that at some point the B/R needs to leave the lane in order to touch the base.
Scott
|
Please note, I'm not debating the call here. I have no problem with the call.
What I want to talk about is why people think the BR needs to come out of the lane at some point to touch the base.
In a perfect diamond layout, approximately 3" of the base is included in the running lane allowing that the chalked lines would be considered part of the lane.
There is no requirement for the runner to hit the center of the base. For that matter, the farther inside the line the runner touches the base, the more likely there is with contact with the player covering 1B. The prime part of the base for the BR to contact is the outside, front corner.
Now, I know you are all going to tell me that we rarely see the perfect diamond layout. Hell, around here we rarely see ANY lines. But think about. Is there really a necessity for the BR to have any part of their body other than maybe the left foot at any given time?