Time of pitch or time of throw?

[Manny A]

In Ia-Ref's defense, the rules themselves are not very clear when a "first play" ends. Just as an example of where confusion could come from, look at the Definition of "Double Play" in OBR:

"A DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense in which two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, providing there is no error between putouts."

Similar language is found in the Definition of "Triple Play". It's also found in the Exception under 4.06 on when a run doesn't score:

"A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made (1) by the batter-runner before he touches first base; (2) by any runner being forced out; or (3) by a preceding runner who is declared out because he failed to touch one of the bases."

We know you can have multiple plays during unrelaxed action where the 4.06 Exception applies. But it only refers to "a play".

So without a real definition of "Play" as it pertains to attempts to retire runners, I can see where folks may feel that a "first play" starts when a pitcher delivers a pitch or throw, and ends when all unrelaxed action is completed. It's only in the authoritative rule interpretations (MLBUM, J/R, etc. etc.) where you find the distinction.

What OBR needs is a Comment under 7.05g similar to what is found in the NCAA rule book:

"For the purpose of this rule, the act of fielding the ball or a faked or feinted throw is not considered a play; a 'play' must be a legitimate attempt by a fielder to retire a runner."

All that said, you are wrong, Ia-Ref. Trust us.