How would you rule on these plays.

[gordon30307]

Originally posted by gordon30307
Fed rules only.

R1 on third R2 on first no outs in each case.

1. Sharply hit ground ball in the infield R2 is 30 feet from second when the relay either hits R2 or the throw sails (relay man clearly trying to avoid hitting R2) over the first basemans head.

2. Right fielder playing in. Fly ball to short right the ball drops in for a Texas Leaguer. R2 does a pop up slide or goes in standing and makes contact (not malicious) with the fielder on the base R2 is clearly safe beating the throw at second BR makes a wide turn at first the fielder may or may not have a play on BR.

3. Slow grounder in the infield R2 goes in to second standing up and is out on a close play. The athletic infielder makes a great play avoiding physical contact with R2(throw doesn't appear to be altered) and retires BR and R1 obviously scores.

4. No outs and nonone one base. BR hits one down the line for extra bases. BR does a pop up slide or goes in standing and makes contact (not malicious) or no contact with the fielder on third. The play is close but BR is clealy safe.

These are my thoughts on the above plays. Thanks all for the input.

Situation 1. The consensus seems to be if the throw hits the runner call interference. However, if the ball sails over the first baseman's head allow the play to stand. If we don't rule interference on the bad throw aren't we saying you should hit the runner with the throw? This would seem to be at odds with the Feds emphasis on safety. Does the Fed. want an out called on this play?

Situstion 2. Since a Pop-up slide is illegal by rule a Pop-up slide with contact I would rule the runner out for an illegal slide with BR safe at first. My reasoning for not invoking the penalty (BR out as well) on this would be there is absolutely no chance (such as a 6-4-3 or 4-6-3) for a DP. I may be on shakey ground not invoking the penalty since there is a force at second.

Situation 3. As a base umpire seeing this play unfold in front of me (before the throw to first is made) I probably would immediately call the interference if the runner intentionally or unintentionally altered what whould be a routine play. Whether BR is safe or out at first should have no bearing on whether there is interference or not. Your judgement may be different.

Situation 4. Illegal slide with contact BR would be out at third.

Now before you jump all over me with situations 2 and 4 I would use some common sense before I have an out where a runner is obviously safe. My contact would have to be more than an "ever so slight displacement of the fielder that is not noticeable to anyone but me". If this happens to me I pray that there is an obvious bump but not so bad that anyone is hurt or I have to eject a player.

Your thoughts.......