Bullpen Pitcher Fields Ball

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

So why is the MLBUM play titled "Player in bullpen picks up a fair batted ball" requiring the umpire to judge intent if in fact picking up the ball is in and of itself defined as intentional?

Because they don't choose their words carefully.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Wouldn't we first be concerned if the bull pen is in play or out of play? Some fields have ground rules that put the on-field bull pen out of bounds or did we forget that little item (ground rules).

The OP specifically says "on the field of play" (and, that might be my typo -- the RefMag play *might* have been "in the field of play").

in any event, if it was "oob" it wouldn't be "on / in the field of play."

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Because they don't choose their words carefully.

Or they actually meant what they said for this particular play and the other definition it incorrect.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Or they actually meant what they said for this particular play and the other definition it incorrect.

Any way you want to look at it, they f'ed it up. The interp. contradicts itself.

On tbe field, I would call i8t the same way you would.

[SAump]

Enforce the ruling that would apply to fans who reach into the field of play.

Under no circumstance would I rule interference (out) with a play or attempted play when the ground ball is located in the bullpen. Why would it then matter if an "unauthorized/authorized" person on offense or defense accidentally picked up a live ball? I don't believe it would matter. I would rule unintentional interference and would not take away a base hit for fan/player/bat boy/security personnel stupidity. Based on potential bases earned, I would probably award 2B on hit to LFBP, 3B on hit to RFBP. It may be the only triple a slow-footed 2B hitter (like me in my day) may earn all season.
Extension: Now if an R1 had anykind of speed, would you keep him at 3B on a 2B award or allow him to score on a 2B hit?
My opinion: OI stops him at 3B and DI awards him home.