R1 Interference

[Larry1953]

This play occurred early in Larry Dierker's managerial career in a game at LA. No outs, R1 breaks to 2B on hit and run. Bagwell comes off 1B about even with the bag. Biggio covers 2B and is about even with the bag. The batter hit a sharp grounder that hit R1 in the foot as he was running to second, about midway there. It seemed to be a clear case of RI, but Joe West ruled it was not. I think the explanation was the ball had passed both Bagwell and Biggio and no infielder had a chance to field it. I remember HS rules had/have? something about lines or vectors or somesuch but I do not think that goes for OBR. Anyway, this comes about fairly often and I think West kicked it - do y'all agree? I am sure J/R comments on this, what does it say? Could Dierker have lodged a valid protest as this was not judgment but a misinterpretation of the rules? Thanks!

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

This play occurred early in Larry Dierker's managerial career in a game at LA. No outs, R1 breaks to 2B on hit and run. Bagwell comes off 1B about even with the bag. Biggio covers 2B and is about even with the bag. The batter hit a sharp grounder that hit R1 in the foot as he was running to second, about midway there. It seemed to be a clear case of RI, but Joe West ruled it was not. I think the explanation was the ball had passed both Bagwell and Biggio and no infielder had a chance to field it. I remember HS rules had/have? something about lines or vectors or somesuch but I do not think that goes for OBR. Anyway, this comes about fairly often and I think West kicked it - do y'all agree? I am sure J/R comments on this, what does it say? Could Dierker have lodged a valid protest as this was not judgment but a misinterpretation of the rules? Thanks!

Need to see the video.

[Larry1953]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Need to see the video.

Rich, I doubt there is one, the play was from 1997. However, I bumped up an old 2006 thread that had discussed a play somewhat similar to my OP. One post talked about "string theory" which might have been in vogue in 1997. The consensus was that the runner is usually out when hit by a batted ball except [step and a reach stuff, etc, etc]. The other thread said J/R changed the interpretation to call the runner out. That seems to mean that the only thing that absolved the runner is if the ball touches or goes through or immediately by a fielder. If the runner is in the middle of the bases without a fielder within 30 feet of him and he gets hit with a batted ball, he's out.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

Rich, I doubt there is one, the play was from 1997. However, I bumped up an old 2006 thread that had discussed a play somewhat similar to my OP. One post talked about "string theory" which might have been in vogue in 1997. The consensus was that the runner is usually out when hit by a batted ball except [step and a reach stuff, etc, etc]. The other thread said J/R changed the interpretation to call the runner out. That seems to mean that the only thing that absolved the runner is if the ball touches or goes through or immediately by a fielder. If the runner is in the middle of the bases without a fielder within 30 feet of him and he gets hit with a batted ball, he's out.

The string theory might have been in vogue then but the current MLBUM says it's not valid for OBR. The consensus is valid by official interpretation.

FED does use the string theory. I think NCAA does too.

[Larry1953]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

The string theory might have been in vogue then but the current MLBUM says it's not valid for OBR. The consensus is valid by official interpretation.

FED does use the string theory. I think NCAA does too.

How in the world do umpires keep all the rule sets apart when they officiate at different levels? Imagine how hard it is for casual fans. It is not uncommon for a runner to be hit by a batted ball. It would seem to be in the best interest of baseball in general to have a unified rule/interpretation - one that puts the runner in jeopardy except in very limited exceptions as in current OBR manuals. This is how "myths" originate to a large degree.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

It is not uncommon for a runner to be hit by a batted ball.

Five years of baseball and I've seen it once.

Originally Posted by Larry1953

It would seem to be in the best interest of baseball in general to have a unified rule/interpretation - one that puts the runner in jeopardy except in very limited exceptions as in current OBR manuals. This is how "myths" originate to a large degree.

I've always wondered, and this is a good place to ask, how different are the playing rules between levels (Youth, Fed, NCAA, Professional) for other sports? When I glance at other rule quizzes in Referee, it always says something to the effect of "Give answer for [several] rule codes."