Weird Play

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by nine01c
Warren: Please clarify: If the situation was the same except that R1 is the one tagged out (after overstepping 2B), or R2 is the one tagged out (after overstepping 3B),
would the ruling be the same? Is there a different ruling if it is the BR called out after missing 1B (that he is entitled to after the base on balls)? This is different than a batted ball.

If the ruling is the same for any runner, then 7.04(b) clearly states that the run scores (even if R3 hasn't reached home plate yet). It gives the play above with R1 being the tagged-out runner at 2B, and justifies WHY the run scores.

Are you saying that the rule is different for the BR? Or, are you saying that OBR is wrong in it's explanation of this play?

Bob Jenkins is correct in his analysis, BUT the rules ARE different for runners who miss 1st base (overrun) and home plate vs runners who miss 1st base (rounded), 2nd and 3rd base.

Why? Because both 1st base and home plate can legally be overrun or overwalked without the runner necessarily being in jeopardy of an off-base out - see OBR 7.08(c) Exception. There can be no other reason to tag those runners except for an appeal that they missed the base in passing. Overrunning of either base is permitted, even on a base on balls award.

OTOH, the tag of any runner who is past 1st base (rounded), 2nd or 3rd is in jeopardy of an off-base out under OBR 7.08(c) BUT any tag attempt might legitimately be seen as either a simple off-base tag out or an appeal play. Runners may not legally overrun or overwalk 2nd or 3rd base, or 1st base (rounded), without being in jeopardy of an off-base out.

That dilemma is why Jaksa-Roder came up with the concept of Relaxed vs Unrelaxed action. Since most umpires cannot easily tell whether a tag during Unrelaxed action at 1st base (rounded), 2nd or 3rd base is an "unmistakable act" of appeal vs an off-base tag play, they suggested that umpires simply ignore the possiblity of an appeal during Unrelaxed action at those bases and call the result of the tag attempt on its merits. The defense may subsequently appeal any miss of the base during later Relaxed action, in order to gain the advantage of a force out.

Hope this helps

Cheers

[Edited by Warren Willson on Sep 17th, 2003 at 11:15 AM]