Quote:
Originally posted by CecilOne
That's my point.
I agree it's dead ("so I would say that is dead (intent to protect the fielder's right to the ball)"), but the rule wording apparently relates the fielder's position to the base instead of the ball/runner contact point.
The rule wording doesn't cover the fielder being "even" with the base, and when we rule dead or live based on the ball passing the fielder, there probably will be arguments caused by the rule wording. It would be better if the rule wording used the ball-fielder relationship for the limitation, like the rule for being hit when off the base. Different effect, but the same limitation wording could be used.
Also, the rule wording is not clear about whether "closest fielder" means closest to the base or closest to the ball/runner.
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Didn't disagree with you. Just noting that if the player is even with the bag and the ball hits the runner while in contact with the bag, then the ball didn't past the fielder. Much along the same lines the when a rule says the pitcher must hold the ball in front of them, means the the ball cannot be behind them.
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