Batter Runner proceeds to second with R1 on first.

[Robert E. Harrison]

Fed Rules. Runner at first no outs. Batter hits a fly ball to CF (can of corn). Runner stays at 1st and the batter runner proceeds to 2nd. The 2nd baseman getting the throw from the center fielder turns and sees this runner and throws the ball toward 2nd. It is an overthrow to the right of home plate. Runner from first goes to 2nd.
Is this interference from a retired runner? Do I have to judge intent on this play or is it handled the same way whether intentional or not?

[scarolinablue]

Can of corn on this one for me, since I've got that T-shirt. I don't have the reference, but the FED interp is essentially this: It's up to the defense to know what is going on, and the situation you've described is NOT interference on the offense.

We have a local HS team that routinely does this under the guise of "hustle" - we're convinced as umpires here that they do it to try to draw a throw, but there is nothing illegal about the B/R running, even passing another runner. I issued the coach a friendly warning (it was a preseason tournament game - a glorified scrimmage) when I first saw them do it about three years ago, but after looking it up afterwards, found that it was not illegal.


It certainly doesn't look good, and usually looks intentional. Intent, as I recall, does not matter, and is especially hard to prove in this case.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

We have a local HS team that routinely does this under the guise of "hustle" - we're convinced as umpires here that they do it to try to draw a throw, but there is nothing illegal about the B/R running, even passing another runner.

I'm sure you mean nothing illegal about a retired runner passing a teammate. Otherwise, the BR would be out.

I can't find it in the book, but if FED follows OBR on this point, it is explicitly legal to continue to run the bases after being put out.

[scarolinablue]

Yep, meant a retired runner passing a teammate. Thanks for clarifying!

I know I've read a case play in FED on this very topic, but don't have my books with me. I assume it is still in there.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

I know I've read a case play in FED on this very topic, but don't have my books with me. I assume it is still in there.

I looked and didn't see it. Of course it might be there nonetheless...

[Steven Tyler]

Defense should be telling F4 "no runner", but trying to deke a throw as a retired batter should come under the heading of "unsportsmanlike like conduct". This is especially true if BU in B gives a clear and vocal declaration of that's a catch. The goofy basstard should be pulling up by then.