While we're at it...

[David B]

Originally posted by JJ
This one's on interference. In the FED Case Book, page 17, 2.21.1 Situation B it says, "R1 is on third and R2 on second. B4 hits down the left field line. R1 scores, but R2 maliciously runs over F5 after R1 touches home plate. RULING: Interference because of malicious contact...R1's run counts because he scored before the interference."

BUT

Case Book, page 19, 2.32.2 Situation B says, "R1 on third and R2 on first with no outs. A ground ball is hit to F6, who throws to F4 at second base. R2 slides out of the base path in an attempt to prevent F4 from turning the double play. RULING: Since R2 did not slide directly into second base, R2 is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. R1 returns to third base, the base occupied at the time of the pitch."

WHY does the run count in the first play, but not in the second, if both runners had touched the plate before the interference? Why, why, why-o-why?

The difference is in the penalties for the rules.

Malicious contact penalty - play one

Force play slide rule penalty - play two.

thanks
David