That 4th out at 1st/run score?

[JJ]

We can all stop holding our collective breath. NFHS Baseball head cheese Elliot Hopkins has emailed me the "official" FED interp on the play which is described here -

R3, R2, 2 out. Ground ball to the shortstop who throws out R2 going into 3rd base AFTER R3 has touched home plate. B1, seeing R2 thrown out, does not advance to first base. The defense, seeing this, throws to first base and asks for the 4th out which would cancel the run. Ruling?

The NFHS says "Allow that 4th out and cancel the run."

That brings the NFHS in line with the NCAA ruling on the same scenario.

I knew you'd be thrilled. Here we go...let the discussions begin!

[bluezebra]

Makes sense to me. Batter/runner never reached base safely.

Bob

[Bfair]

So, it appears the Fed feels the batter, after hitting the ball, is REQUIRED to advance to first base (just like a force).

Now, JJ, let's suppose the BR didn't advance AND wasn't played upon but merely went into the dugout or to his fielding position after seeing the third out made by R2. Would the umpire have to declare him out for not reaching and touching first base if the defense did not play on him at first base????

Your thoughts????

Freix

[Carl Childress]

JJ:

I suppose the mail to Illinois is slower than to other states. (grin)

A FED state representative asked my question on that subject around the time of my birthday (April 23). Mr. Hopkins replied, and I received word of the ruling on May 11.

I got around to publishing that ruling on the FED Board at eteamz.com on May 31.

Anyone interested may click here to read my message:
http://www.eteamz.com/baseball/board....cfm?id=261959

As the title of this post says, it's always nice to have confirmation of what is NEW law.

[JJ]

Score one for Carl - beat me to the punch (even though I wasn't aware it was a race - I just thought it was a question in search of an answer). Sorry I don't go to eteamz.com.

And yes, the mail is slow in Illinois. But we get it eventually...