Runner Interference
 

Bases loaded 1 out. Ground Ball hits runner going from 2nd to 3rd. Does the runner on 3rd score or does he go back to his original base.

He goes back.

Runner is out. Ball is dead. Batter awarded first. Runners only advance if forced via the batter becoming a runner.

7.08 (f) ....except runners forced to advanced.

why is R3 not considered a runner forced to advance?

Lose the Force, Luke
 

Because, once R2 is out, R3 is not forced to advance. B/R goes to 1st, R1 is forced to second, but second is vacant now for R1.

Is a runner forced any longer if a runner behind him is put out?

So you would consider this just like the SS fielding the ball and throwing the ball to 3 and getting R2 out on a force therefor R3 can return to 3rd i.e. rundown.

You are correct sir!
 

I would.

The runners(all) are forced to advance once the ball was put in play. The rule book I have says nothing about only the BR and R1 being allowed to advance due to being forced. It say "runnerS" forced to advance. I read this as all runners in a force situation.

This is the reason I posted here. I've flip-flopped on this all day. Thanks for all the input and discussion.

Read it how you want, but others have given you the correct interpretation. It means "runners forced to advance because the BR is awarded first." In the OP, that no longer includes R3.

STEP 1:

7.09 It is interference by a batter or a runner when-
(m) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a fielder.....
PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE:The runner is out and the ball is dead.

Step 2:

6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when-

(d) A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder....

Step 3:

7.04 Each runner, other than the batter, may without liability to be put out, advance one base when-

(b) The batter's advance without liability to be put out forces the runner to vacate his base, or when the batter hits a fair ball that touches another runner or the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or has passed a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance;...

Step 4:

5.09 The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when-

(f) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, ...l; runners advance if forced;

Read 2.00 Force Play. It has an example of the force being removed.

+1

+2

wmandino,

Of all the rules cited, Rich Ives pointed you to what you were missing.

Specifically, I believe he was referring to:

Essentially, any time a following runner is called out for any reason, the force is removed at that instant for any preceding runners who had become forced by virtue of the batter becoming a runner.

JM