Third Strike "Legally Caught"

[mbyron]

Sorry dude, you blew that one.

Originally Posted by Rule 8-3-3

Each runner is awarded...

(f) one base beyond the last legally acquired base, if in the umpire’s judgment
the runner was attempting to advance at the time the ball becomes lodged
in an offensive player’s uniform or equipment. If the lodged ball occurs during
play when the batter-runner was attempting to reach first base, the batter-
runner will be awarded first base. Preceding runners will be awarded
bases needed to complete the award.

Also, the BR's leaving the field during a dead ball (as you're walking toward PU) would not constitute an out.

In your play, this is a foul ball. Runners stay put unless they were stealing on the pitch, in which case they advance one base.

Edited to add: you can't rule this a catch, because F2 did not securely possess the ball in his hand or mitt.

[chartrusepengui]

The problem was the batter runner never really advanced directly to 1st or towards first along his legal path. He stood at the plate, and when coach came out - he waited a minute - then walked towards dugout opening 1st base side. He was never closer than 70 feet from 1st base and was not even looking like he was going there. He was even still carrying his bat.

As I stated before upon further thought yesterday I thought we bungled the "catch" decision. Didn't look up in book as rule book/gear is in my car my wife took to Detroit and won't have it until tomorrow. Thanks for rule reference. I think I was dwelling on his not using equipment improperly

[chartrusepengui]

I've learned. Thanks for the quick replies. It was nagging at me - especially not being able to look up. I already left a message for a couple guys I work with to see if I could get them to look up answer or let me borrow their books for an hour or two. Fortunately, this did not have any effect on outcome of game. He was on the winning team in a 9-0 game.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by mbyron

In your play, this is a foul ball. Runners stay put unless they were stealing on the pitch, in which case they advance one base.

I'm trying to figure out how you can have a foul ball AND award bases to runners.

[johnnyg08]

This isn't a lodged ball situation at all right? Once we have "no catch" on the...at one point, "foul tip"...is that the right way to handle this?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by yawetag

I'm trying to figure out how you can have a foul ball AND award bases to runners.

You're right, you can't. I wrote my response in 5 stages as I was figuring it out, and didn't return to delete that piece. The runners would advance if stealing and a pitched ball lodged in the catcher's equipment. A foul ball is just a foul ball, even if it lodges.