Tricky call
 

Runner on second base (R2), nobody out, count 0-0: The fielders, for some reason, expect a bunt. That's why the first baseman has taken a position halfway between the mound and the first base foul line at about 50 feet distance from the batter (B1). Then, during the pitcher's delivery and while the runner from second is attempting a steal of third, the first baseman dashes in, and intercepts the pitched ball before it reaches the batter. He turns, and fires a perfect throw to the third baseman, who easily tags the runner three feet in front of the bag. What is the official result of this play?

Off the top of my head: balk. The pitcher released the ball but it didn't cross the foul lines.

That must be the slowest pitch, and/or the fastest first basemen, ever. I'd call "interference" on F3, for preventing the batter from hitting the pitch. DEAD BALL. Batter to 1B, R2 to 3B.

Bob

TWP if there ever was one. Call it a balk based on 8.05a. With runners on base it is a balk when the pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with delivering the pitch and fails to make such. Award R2 3rd base, count is still 0-0 on the batter.

This situation is somewhat similar to situation #1 on the NFHS 2007 Baseball Rules Interpretations:

In this case, it's defensive obstruction on the batter by the firstbaseman. The ball is declared dead when touched by F3. R2 wil be awarded third base and the batter is awarded first base.

See NFHS case book ruling: 8-1-1 sit. G and case book ruling: 8-1-1, sit. L comment.

I'd make an analogy to the situation where the runner takes off, and the catcher is in such a hurry to make a play, that he comes out and catches the ball in front of the plate...never letting the pitch cross the "hitting zone".

I'd apply the same penalty for the catcher coming out in front...to the OP's play.

The batter has been violated as well at his attempt to hit the ball. There is more to this than just a "balk" ruling (it's not a balk, the pitcher didn't do anything unnatural).

Its sort of like CI as well. My deal with the FED ruling that Uncle George posted is that there may be some sort of declination of the penalty, like CI. Does FED say DDB? or just a dead ball?

Perhaps, we should let the play go until finished (what if F3 throws the ball into left field). I wouldn't be surprised if other rule sets allowed this play to finish before awards.

Don't have my casebooks at college, anyone want to do some research? :)

Its OBS. Batter was not permitted a chance to hit the ball.

Dead ball, B/R to first, R2 goes to 3B.

Read 7.07 - it covers fielders as well as catchers.

First time poster, this is beyond third world play, it is another dimension entirely. Batter awarded 1B, stealing runner awarded 3B.

Well this depends...was it a day game or night game?

From MLB.com: Rule 7.07: "If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead."

I don't think the OP had a runner on third base.

Hi, all.

The above sounds right to me, too. Thought I'd add the references (OBR).

2.00 - Interference (b - Defensive Interference)
- batter was prevented from attempting to hit pitch
- the ball is dead, unless a play is in progress (5.10(h), 6.08(c))

6.08 (c) - Penalty for defensive interference with batter
- batter entitled to 1st, without liability
- if a play is in progress, allow it to finish: the offensive manager may be entitled to an option on this play

7.04 (d) - Stealing runners are entitled to one base, without liability.

And yes, if this were instead a squeeze play, 7.07 would apply and this would be a balk, with all runners advancing, whether stealing or not!

Oh, and if I missed something here, someone please tell me (like anyone needs an invitation...)
Andrew