Batted ball hitting runner - - OBR
 

The gentlemen with whom I am have this discussion with, is unable to post so I told him that I would post for him.

This discussion stemmed from the THROUGH OR BY post.

R2, left handed batter, all infielders (F3,F4,F5 and F6) positioned on the infield grass between the pitcher and 1B.
R2 goes on the pitch, batter hits the ball between 2B and 3B, which then contacts the runner. No other infielder had a play on the ball.

In an OBR game is the runner out or safe (play on)?

His contention is, that no matter, it is called the same as a FED called game.
I agree with him playing in a FED game, and out in an OBR game, because it has not went through or by and hit runner immediatly back of.

We have a rather large sum of money bet on this.

It's an out.

First off.....huh???

Secondly...sounds like the ball has passed an infielder (all four of them, actually) other than the pitcher, so live ball, play on!

Which side of the bet are you on?

The fact that all fielders on the grass and the runner is (I assume) running in the base path behind the grass doesn't make it passing an infielder?

Keep in mind we are playing under OBR rules.

He says safe play on - It has passed an infielder

I say out - It has not went through or by an infielder and hit runner immediatly back of him.

I have agreed that in a FED rules game that the correct call is play on

Not under OBR.

Under OBR, the "general" statement is that a runner is out when he's hit by a batted ball unless the ball was deflected or he could reasonably expect a fielder to field the ball (that is, the ball went *immediately by or through* the fielder AND the runner was right behind the fielder -- so the runner would have no time to react). Even in the latter exception, the runner is STILL out if another fielder could make the play.

Bob thanks for your reply.

I know how to rule on this play, I just cant convince my brother (the other gentlemen) that this play is called completely different depending on what rules set that you are playing under.

He bet me his entire pay for doing FED games this year approx. $2000.00.
Now I know he will not pay up but I wanted to print this post out and give it to him to show that it is him against the world.

Interesting. Definite wording differences between OBR and FED. Never would have guessed.

So next time I see all the infielders standing between the mound and first base, I'll be ready!:D