Unusual play - Ruling/Interpretation Question

[newmdref]

I had a play occur the other day in a Varsity HS game that I was coaching that was unusual, at least based on my experience. The umpires struggled with the call and I, quite frankly, wasn't sure either what the call should be.

We have a runner on second, two outs, 3-2 count on the hitter. Hitter rips a high line drive down the first baseline. The first baseman, who was playing behind the bag, jumps in an attempt to catch the ball. He catches a piece of the ball directing it up further into the air and toward out of play. He scrambles for the ball and dives in another attempt to catch the ball. Once again it hits off the end of his glove and the ball lands out of play. Ball never came in contact with the ground until it was out of play.

What's the ruling on this play? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[martynva]

Where was F-3 when he FIRST touched the ball?

If in Fair ... Fair ball, ground rule double.

If in Foul Territory ... Foul Ball

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by martynva

If in Fair ... Fair ball, ground rule double.

Originally Posted by Armadillo_Blue

Then as stated above, this is a fair batted ball that has gone out of play and all runners are awarded two bases from time of pitch.

Disagree.

[celebur]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Disagree.

Disagree with whom? And with what?

[Durham]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Disagree.

Ok, then tell us you think it is time of deflection.

[Durham]

I think he is saying that it should be 2 bases from the time F# deflected the ball out of play the 2nd time he contacted the ball. Because it was his action that caused the ball to go out of play. If so he would be right, but that is a ****ty end of the stick.

[johnnyg08]

okay, that makes sense...

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Durham

I think he is saying that it should be 2 bases from the time F# deflected the ball out of play the 2nd time he contacted the ball. Because it was his action that caused the ball to go out of play. If so he would be right, but that is a ****ty end of the stick.

Exactly. Why is it that the [dirty] end of the stick? Would you call it differently?

[Durham]

Was the ball fair or foul when he first touched it?

[Armadillo_Blue]

The ball is foul or fair depending upon the position of the ball when it first touches the fielder's glove. The position of the fielder is not relevant. If the ball was over fair territory when it tipped off the glove it is a fair ball. If the ball was over foul territory it is a foul ball. If fair two base award from time of pitch for ball going out of play.

Two others beat me to the punch.

[newmdref]

Sorry guys made an assumption there. Both the player and the ball were in fair play when the ball was initially touched

[Armadillo_Blue]

Then as stated above, this is a fair batted ball that has gone out of play and all runners are awarded two bases from time of pitch.

BTW. What did the umpires finally rule?

[newmdref]

Hitter was placed on second. Runner on second was placed at home (scored).

[johnnyg08]

so they got it right?