Hi Folks, got a weird one.(Fed Rules) Over throw at first base and the ball goes into a bat/helmet bag that was hanging on the fence in front of the dugout. The call on the field was a dead ball. The coach came out and claimed that at home plate the home coach said everything was in play, that the field was totally enclosed, and the umpires had agreed. The coach has lodged a protest even though an affected runner eventually scored. I told the umpire later that I would consider it the same as a ball getting trapped in equipment(ump or catcher or even bushes etc.)and award accordingly. I also would have done some preventative umping and got the bag inside the dugout. I believe the coach is digging on this one.

Thanks in advance for your welcomed comments...
Bake17

The ball is Dead! 2002 Rules Book. Rule 5.Art 1.f.5.
2002 Case Book. 5.2.1 The runner gets the base he was going to at the time the ball BECOMES dead. In your case, if the runner reached 1st and then ball went into equipment bag, he gets 2nd. I bet after that play, the equipment bag was put into dugout! I have a question. You said: The coach came out and claimed that at home plate the home coach said everything was in play, that the field was totally enclosed, and the umpires had agreed. The coach has lodged a protest even though an affected runner eventually scored. My question is, what did he want to happen, the runner keep running and have the defensive guy dig through the bag to get the ball?

[Edited by thumpferee on Apr 24th, 2003 at 09:33 AM]

To thumpferee
 

Yea, he probably did....He was thinking I guess the same as if a fielder goes for a ball that may be lodged in a fence etc.instead of raising their hand for us to check the ball and we tell them if they do, it's still live and runners keep running. Coaches....go figure their thinking sometimes.
Thanks for your reply!!!
Bake17

I'm a little confused by this -- what did the umpire do (besides call it a dead ball) that the coach was complaining about?

I'd say the appropriate rule is 1-4-4.

Good point Bob!

I don't think loose would apply tho.

Over throw at first base and the ball goes into a bat/helmet bag that was hanging on the fence in front of the dugout.

JMO