Where to put the batter?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

Here's the OBR rule that's puzzling me on base awards...

(i) One base, if the batter becomes a runner on Ball Four or Strike Three, when the pitch passes the catcher and lodges in the umpire’s mask or paraphernalia.
If the batter becomes a runner on a wild pitch which entitles the runners to advance one base, the batter-runner shall be entitled to first base only.

Now what does the second clause achieve if it another rule already has limited the BR to first? As I read the rule it seems to be saying that the BR can't push another runner beyond the one base he is awarded, so the BR is "limited" to one base in this situation where there are runners on base.

For example if there is a runner on first, he is awarded second and that "limits" the BR to first.

However why have this rule if it were not legal to send the BR to second if there is not a runner on base when this happens?

What would be the purpose of this rule otherwise?

You're reading too much into the rule. If you want to go in that direction, consider that there is only R3. B/R still gets first only.

The rule is saying to treat B/R as you would a runner.

JM has it right.