The Official Forum - Potd 3-30-10

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Quote:

Originally Posted by POTD

5.1.1 SITUATION H: With R1 on second, B2 hits between F5 and F6, both of whom are playing in for a bunt in front of R1. The batted ball touches R1 and is deflected to foul ground. F6 was in such a position he had no chance to play the ball.

RULING: If the touching by R1 is accidental, it is ignored because the batted ball has passed a fielder other than the pitcher and no other infielder has a play on the ball. If R1 intentionally deflected the batted ball, the umpire shall rule interference and declare the ball dead. R1 is declared out. B2 is credited with a base hit and placed on first. (8-4-2k)

I seem to recall some discussion about this type of play in the past, but can neither recall the details nor find the thread.

My vague recollection here is that some want an out for INT despite this ruling. Maybe that was for OBR? Maybe it was a play where the infield was NOT pulled in?

If the infield was pulled in and the ball went past the defensive players. who had a play on the ball when it hit R1? The answer here is no one so no INTF. (outfielders do not count here)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbyron (Post 671546)

It's an out in OBR.

It's a "play the bounce" in FED.

The definitions of passing the fielder are different in the two rule sets.

In OBR the ball must have been within reach of a fielder AND the runner must have been immediately behind the fielder. The concept is that the runner is out unless it would be expected that the fielder would field the ball or that the runner was far enough back that he would be expected to have time to avoid the ball.

In FED you prtetend the fielders are attached to one another by a string and if the ball is past the string it has passed the fielders.