Running Lane Question?

[mbyron]

Runner returns to the base last touched at the time of interference. It's conceivable that R1 could have reached 2B if he had been stealing and the bunt play were slow developing, but generally R1 will return. Certainly the "expected" call is to return the runner.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Runner returns to the base last touched at the time of interference.

Time of pitch, actually, unless there's an "Intervening Play." However, there are even conflicting interps. regarding that, as well: is it still "time of pitch" or "time of interference" when an Intervening Play occurs? Decisions, decisions.

Regardless, in the OP, it's time of pitch.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Time of pitch, actually, unless there's an "Intervening Play." However, there are even conflicting interps. regarding that, as well: is it still "time of pitch" or "time of interference" when an Intervening Play occurs? Decisions, decisions.

Regardless, in the OP, it's time of pitch.

Citation please?

Here are a couple to start with: FED 8-2-9 and OBR 2.00 - Interference. In both codes, runners return to the base last touched at the time of interference.

The only code where runners might return to their TOP base is NCAA, which was not relevant to the OP.

[Dave Reed]

Rule 2.00 (Interference) Comment: In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.

So in the OP, B/R is interfering by being out of the running lane, and the inteference happens before B/R reached first.

TOP

[mbyron]

Hm. Thanks Dave. That comment was missing from the BRD. Should have looked in the book...

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Dave Reed

Rule 2.00 (Interference) Comment: In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.

So in the OP, B/R is interfering by being out of the running lane, and the inteference happens before B/R reached first.

TOP

And as I mentioned, in the event of an "Intervening Play," one source says other runners except for R3 return to time of interference bases, another source says time of pitch.

[UmpJM]

Ump25,

Which reference says "time of pitch" following an "intervening play"?

Not arguing, just curious. I don't recall seeing that one.

JM

[UMP25]

The Jaksa/Roder manual stipulates it's a return to TOP base while the MLB Umpire Manual says it's a return to TOI bases when the Intervening Play occurs.