Runners hit by batted balls

[SanDiegoSteve]

First of all, you are looking to a MLB rule for Little League. These two sets of rules are not the same. Little League has their own rule book, based somewhat on Official Baseball Rules (OBR).

Secondly, if the runner was in fair territory, and hit by a fair ball, then he is out, and the ball is dead. See rule 7.08 (f). The only exemption from being out when hit by a fair batted ball in fair territory before the ball has passed or touched an infielder is if he is standing on his base on an Infield Fly.

Since this was not an IFF situation, the runner is out if he was hit by a fair ball in fair territory, whether or not he was standing on a base. Now, this teenage umpire called it a foul ball, which while possibly incorrect, was the call he made. It is a judgment call, so it can't be argued or protested, even though it looks like he made the call just to get out of actually giving a proper ruling on the play.

In "real" baseball, the runner would have been leading off the base in foul territory, and this situation would not have occurred. But since this is Little League Baseball®, there is no leading off, and the likelihood of the runner being on the base or over the base in fair territory is greater.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

First of all, you are looking to a MLB rule for Little League. These two sets of rules are not the same. Little League has their own rule book, based somewhat on Official Baseball Rules (OBR).

Secondly, if the runner was in fair territory, and hit by a fair ball, then he is out, and the ball is dead. See rule 7.08 (f). The only exemption from being out when hit by a fair batted ball in fair territory before the ball has passed or touched an infielder is if he is standing on his base on an Infield Fly.

Since this was not an IFF situation, the runner is out if he was hit by a fair ball in fair territory, whether or not he was standing on a base. Now, this teenage umpire called it a foul ball, which while possibly incorrect, was the call he made. It is a judgment call, so it can't be argued or protested, even though it looks like he made the call just to get out of actually giving a proper ruling on the play.

I "real" baseball, the runner would have been leading off the base in foul territory, and this situation would not have occurred. But since this is Little League Baseball®, there is no leading off, and the likelihood of the runner being on the base or over the base in fair territory is greater.

LL is "somewhat" based on OBR? It's about 95% OBR.

The hit by batted ball rule is the same.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

LL is "somewhat" based on OBR? It's about 95% OBR.

The hit by batted ball rule is the same.

I just didn't want Tabe to get in the habit of looking up LL situations at the MLB site, but to go invest in the Little Green Book instead. There are some major differences of which he may not be aware.

I'm glad to see you are right on top of this issue, and quick to pick apart my otherwise excellent post.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I'm glad to see you are right on top of this issue, and quick to pick apart my otherwise excellent post.

It's his job. He's a coach.

[LakeErieUmp]

You could put BR on first, Rich, but he'd feel kinda weird standing there seein how it's three outs and he should be in his fielding position! (please see this as lighthearted frivolity as it is meant!)

[Rich]

Originally Posted by LakeErieUmp

You could put BR on first, Rich, but he'd feel kinda weird standing there seein how it's three outs and he should be in his fielding position! (please see this as lighthearted frivolity as it is meant!)

He'd be put on first *in the book*, then.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

It's his job. He's a coach.

Or just perhaps I know something about LL rules and the necessity for info other than just the official LL rule book.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Or just perhaps I know something about LL rules and the necessity for info other than just the official LL rule book.

And a coach.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I just didn't want Tabe to get in the habit of looking up LL situations at the MLB site, but to go invest in the Little Green Book instead. There are some major differences of which he may not be aware.

I'm glad to see you are right on top of this issue, and quick to pick apart my otherwise excellent post.

You need the OBR for LL because many of the comments and ARs that apply are omitted from the LL book to save space.