[/QUOTE]

Remember you cannot rule interference until IN FACT the runner interferes.

It's no different than this question?

Is it legal for a runner to miss a base.

Answer: YES UNLESS the defense appeals

Therefore, the answer to your question is

Yes it is legal for a base runner to run outside the foul line the last half of the distance to first base.

Pete Booth

Think of it this way: The rule doesn't prohibit the B/R from running outside the lane, it prohibits him from interfering with the fielder's catch while running outside the lane.

I don't purport to be an expert on LL rules, but I find this hard to believe.

Once again, jumping out there with an incorrect ruling. No, this is not correct - in LL, the interference rule regarding a runner more than halfway to first is IDENTICAL to higher levels.

Just out of curiosity, for those who are against what I said about teaching a cather what to do. Picture this play, and give me your calls

BR Bunts along 1st base line runs the entire way to first with his body staddling the foul line. Catcher fields the ball and throws to first:

1. A solid throw hitting the runner between the shoulder blades with runners Left foot on the ground and Right foot in the air.
2. A solid throw hitting the runner between the shoulder blades with runners Right foot on the ground and Left foot in the air.
3. Steps out toward either Fair or foul and throws a catchable Dart past First baseman into the out field.
4. Steps out toward either Fair or foul and throws an uncatchable Dart past First baseman into the out field.
5. Lobs the ball over the runner, and out of the reach of the first baseman
6. Lobs the ball over the runner, and within the reach of the first baseman, but he drops it.

Now change the play slightly where the runner is completely in Fair territory the entire time. Same 6 senarios, whats the call.

Day game or night game?

If either foot is outside the running lane, the runner is considered out of the lane. In the air or not, if the last time the foot was on the ground it was out then I'll consider him out of the lane.
That said, there's still a lot of judgement left.
If F3 has moved to the outside and F2 throws to BR left shoulder blade, it may be judged as throwing at the runner, not interference.
If F3 is on the inside and F2 hits the shoulder, most likely interference.


Same as #1

If F3 has stepped to the outside and F3 steps outside and BR is inside I have nothing.
If F3 is inside, F2 is inside and BR is inside we have a problem

Same as #3

Fed. casebook says interference

Could sell it either way. But probably Interference

If the bunt is right down the line, the proper technique is for F3 to set up on the outside, F2 to step to the outside and make the throw. (assuming catcher is RH, inside setup for LH catcher)
If F3 sets up outside and BR is hedging inside I've got nothing. no matter
If F3 sets up outside and BR hedges outside, now we have a situation.

F2 should never aim for BR. He should be getting in the best position to make a throw to F3, and that position depends on where F3 is setting up, then fire to his glove.

First, I don't work LL games. But I know that LL rules are based on OBR with some revisions. For you to be correct, LL would have had to eliminate consideration of the running lane. Since I see running lanes lined out during televised LL games, I find this curious.

Do you have a rule book?

heheheh

*whistles*

How about this play? Runner is running in fair, catcher rares back and throws one, as per his coach's instructions, directly at the runner who is 30 feet from the bag. It hits him at the base of the neck just below the helmet, the batter runner is suddenly stunned and falls face and hands forward, he puts his hands out to break his fall and breaks both wrists, comes down on his face and breaks his nose and 4 of his front teeth out. Which side would you rather represent in court?

It is irresponsible to coach players to intentionally hurt each other. Better to coach the catcher to move his feet, and make the best throw he can directly to F3, and F3 should give him the best target to whatever side of the bag is best.

Ll
 

Boyinblue24: what are you talking about? See LL rule 6.05(j)

They don't mention the words, "running lane", but that's what they're talking about.

Dan, is this you?

Do you even own a rule book?

Thanks for helping with the general impression of Little League umpires.

boyinblue,

Yes, I am sure.

If Rich, or Garth, or Bob Jenkins (or any of a number of other posters who consistently appear to know what they are talking about) says something that you "...recall it was the other way around...", I would strongly encourage you to trust them over your own recollection. Unless, of course, you like being a Bozo umpire. You know, mildly entertaining on occasion, but not really very good.

I am sure because the LL RIM (2004 edition) says:

Now, the last time I "did" LL was in 1968 - as a player. Does it strike you as curious that I know this and you, who alledgedly umpire these games, don't?

JM

Little Boy Blue, stop blowing your horn.
All your apologies are tired and worn.
Before sounding off don't you think you should look
At the posts of veterans, or maybe a rule book
Before engaging your mouth, try putting your brain in gear
And maybe you'll become less of a pain in the rear.


(Apologies to Mother Goose)

OK, I bow to your infinite wisdom in LL games... so ... by the way - what's the running lane for then? Meaning ... if you're right, why even draw the lane at all?