FED - Force Play Slide Rule

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by David B

Just curious what is the reason for the "hot topic". Are some assuming that it is an illegal slide thus you have to call the DP?

Just wondering what might be causing the confusion.

The same could also be said for the runner who simply runs through the bag, as long as there is no interference of any kind with the play, simply play on.

Thanks
David

Apparently there has been an epidemic of automatic double plays being called and some of the coaches have called the assignor and complained, claiming the umpires are handing them out like candy.

This prompted an email discussion within our organization where it became apparent that a large segment of the umpiring group felt that if a forced runner did anything other than slide straight into the bag and stop, that an automatic double play must be called. Oddly, this group seemed to be the majority. This needed to be corrected but they were insistent that they were interpreting it correctly.

I have a copy of the 2006 BRD and play 171-320 is not only a stark example of the interpretation of the rule - but, in my opinion, it goes a bit overboard.

Play 171-320: FED only. Bases loaded: B1 grounds to F4, who fields the ball and throws to F6 to start the double play. F6 catches the throw and forces out R1 as F6 crosses the bag to the right field side. F6 now throws to first as retired R1 begins his slide into second. Retired R1's slide is clearly to the right side of the bag (the side F6 is now on). R1 is sliding towards F6, but he misses the shortstop by a foot or two as F6 keeps moving after the throw. F6's throw is in time to retire BR at 1B; meanwhile, R3 scores. Ruling: Even though it is obvious the runner is illegally sliding toward the fielder, it is not interference. The ball remains alive: two out, R3 in, R2 on third.

As you'll notice, F6 ends up retiring the BR with his throw.

Let's change just one thing in the above case play and tell me if this might make the non-interference call much more difficult to make.

F6 air mails the ball over F3's head and BR advances to 2nd on the wild throw.

Try to sell that non-interference call. Good luck.

The umpire would have to say that the wild throw and the runner's attempt to take out the pivot man were not related. It was just a bad throw having absolutely nothing to do with the runner sliding into 2nd. Although I can see that being a possibility - I don't think I would want to go there.

Make the above call and I guarantee you'll end up having to eject the defensive manager.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN