Illegal Slide?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Dave, please reference a case book play, or rule reference. I respectfully disagree with your interpretation. As I see it, no ball, no play, no FPSR. Yes, there is a force situation, but there can be no interference.

Note this caseplay references an attempt and does not go any further:

Rule: 2.32.2



2.32.2 SITUATION B

R1 is on third base and R2 is on first base with no outs. A ground ball is hit to F6, who throws to F4 at second base. R2 slides out of the base path in an attempt to prevent F4 from turning the double play.

RULING: Since R2 did not slide directly into second base, R2 is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. R1 returns to third base, the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

[RPatrino]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Note this caseplay references an attempt and does not go any further:

Rule: 2.32.2



2.32.2 SITUATION B

R1 is on third base and R2 is on first base with no outs. A ground ball is hit to F6, who throws to F4 at second base. R2 slides out of the base path in an attempt to prevent F4 from turning the double play.

RULING: Since R2 did not slide directly into second base, R2 is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. R1 returns to third base, the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

Here is where the OP situation differs from the case book definition of FPSR. You would have a very hard time selling calling a double play on the OP.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Here is where the OP situation differs from the case book definition of FPSR. You would have a very hard time selling calling a double play on the OP.

I would have a hard time and I don't think I would have called it but you wanted a caseplay and I found it. Truly, in the OP, what I think FED wants and won't get, is you see the illegal slide at the fielder and point and say "time, that's interference." You don't even have to see what the fielder does afterward. Doesn't happen in the real world.

[RPatrino]

Dave, I hate to belabor this but you aren't making your case. The statement you cite, (1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact) can't be used to support the OP because there we no altering of a play. The illegal slide did not cause the deflection, it would have occurred absent the slide.

[Dave Reed]

OK, evidently you think that the "play of a fielder" has to mean that the fielder is playing on a runner. I don't agree.

Now, what about the rest? Still think there has to be interference to enforce this rule? (see first and bolded paragraph,)
Still think that it's OK for a runner to slide into a fielder who is away from the bag? (see 4a.)
If you still think either of those, then I submit that you aren't actually reading the rule, and ignoring the point of the rule as well.

[SAump]

FED 8.4.2c. does not legally attempt to avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him, or

PENALTY: The runner is out, the ball remains live unless interference is called.

Umpire may rule that the runner is out by sliding into F4 near the bag if he believes the runner has abandoned effort to reach base safely and is trying to protect advance of teammate.

HTBT, but if no other possible play in progress, I have nothing here.