Quote:
Originally posted by Tap
This is a hypothetical, based on a discussion I had with an instructor at a recent clinic I attended. Fast-pitch game under Federation rules (I think ASA would be the same here). Runners on 2B and 3B, and 1 out. Neither are attempting to steal.
0-2 count. Batter swings and misses and is obstructed by F2 in the process. F2 misses ball and it rolls to fence.
I believe that it's a delayed dead ball and the runners can try to advance, and then the coach can take the result of the play or have the batter placed at 1B. After all, the winning run may score from 3B on the play. The instructor said it was a dead ball, as contrasted with obstruction of a runner. The rule book defines catcher's obstruction as a delayed dead ball, so I'm not sure how the instructor could have been correct. I think he agreed that this was true if the ball was hit, but not if the batter swung and missed.
Would it matter if the runners were at 1B and 3B and the BR was put out (i.e. no dropped 3rd strike in effect)? In other words, just like the play becomes dead when an obstructed runner is put out, I guess the same could be true when an obstructed batter is put out? And if so, I would presume that the umpire could award all baserunners the bases they would have attained but for the obstruction, i.e. if they were stealing (I know in a sqeeze situation, the runner from 3B will be awarded home).
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Since you brought up ASA, I'll respond in that manner.
I think the instructor would be wrong. Though the rule does not specifically address a swing and miss involving CO, I believe it since the ball has basically been put into play by the catcher's failure to catch the third strike prior to the ball touching the ground, the same rule would apply. The ball is live until the BR is retired or all play is obviously complete.
If R1 scores and R2 moves to 3B as the BR safely reaches 1B, then the CO would be dropped and any further advance would be at the runner's risk of being put out.
If either of the runner's failed to safely advance one base or the BR failed to reach 1B safely, the manager would have the option of the CO or the result of the play.