Test Time

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I thought this question could have been worded better. As it's written, a couple of answers seem possible to me:

With R1 at first base, less than two outs. A shot back at the pitcher deflects off the pitcher's foot toward first base. The pitcher chases the ball into the baseline between home and first. The pitcher arrives at the ball ahead of the batter-runner. As the pitcher is reaching for the ball, the batter-runner collides with the pitcher (not malicious) and both players fall to the ground. The pitcher gets up with the ball and tosses to first base for the put-out on the batter-runner.

* A. Obstruction on the pitcher; award BR at least first base; and award the base he is forced to by BR's obstruction award unless he advances further while the ball is in play
* B. Inference on the BR; call him out and return R1 to first base
* C. Incidental contact; play on
* D. The out stands; award R1 2nd base

This is one of those plays that we discussed in numerous emails and phone calls. Some insisted that this is a step and reach protection play. They contended that the pitcher lost his protection when he had to run after the ball that he deflected. Most of the others agreed that the pitcher was protected for two reasons - first, he is making the play on a ball that hit him (he did not make an initial play on it) and secondly, the runner would have to be inside the field of play to collide with him. The argument that B was appropriate seemed logical since Fed tends to penalize the offending team in the worst possible way. I could have sworn there was a similar play in the pros last year. If anyone knows of this, please post a link.

What do you have on this one, Bob?