Batter picks up live ball

[falsecut]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

If no one on the defense has possession of the ball and there is not a throw on the way from one member of the defense to another, there is no play. So, if the batter picks up a ball that is lying on the ground, there cannot be a play.

So if a runner (in any situation, not just this one) is in a disadvantageous position, and the ball gets away and falls to the ground, good offensive strategy might be for the batter or a coach to race to pick it up before the fielder does, no play and all is forgiven?

J/R refers to it as "interference without a play". Call time, return runners, let the batter know he really shouldn't ought to do that, and get things going again.

Maybe I'm just not being clear. I'm trying to set this up as if the play was on-going. Runners could still be trying to advance. The ball could still be rolling. Whatever I'm trying to ask about, it's not supposed to imply that the ball has been lying on the ground for the last thirty seconds and the base runner has stooped over to tie his shoes while he standing on the base so the batter decides to grab the ball.

If it still doesn't make sense, then I'm going to quit while I'm ahead (or maybe it's behind). This puts me at three posts today already, way over my usual once a quarter pace.

[socalblue1]

Craig,

Let's make it simple:

1. If play continues (Runners are still advancing) call time, batter out for interference & return runners to last legally obtained base.

2. Play is relaxed (IE: nothing more is happening) call time, advise batter (how strong the advice may be depends on age) & move on.

[GA Umpire]

If there is a play possible on R2, then call "Time" and R2 is out for his teammates INT(Rule 7.11). Not the batter b/c BI does not apply anymore. BI relates to a catcher's initial play or throw. All BI rulings I have ever heard or seen relate to the catcher's initial play or throw. At this point, he is considered an offensive teammate and not the batter at this point. For this point, think of it this way. What if the on deck batter did it? What kind of INT would be called at that point? Rule 7.11 would apply there too. So, why wouldn't it apply here as well?

If there is no play possible on R2, then call "Time" and put R2 back on 3B. Then, tell the batter not to do that again with a warning(if you choose).

Of course, if R2 has already crossed or is within the immediate vicinity of HP and no play is possible, then I would score the run as well and tell the batter not to do that for future reference.