2 runners occupying the same base ...

IRISHMAFIA · #12 (**permalink**) Tue May 18, 2004, 11:19am

Quote:

Originally posted by TexBlue

Quote:

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA

ASA Case Book Play 8.8.66 [ASA Rules 8-7T' 8-3E; 10-8H]

Thanks, Glen.

"8.8-66 (FP Only) Bases loaded (my contraction), R3 advanced to 2B on a passed ball, but R2 does not advance. The pitcher receives the ball in the 8-foot circle from the catcher and the defense make no play on any runner."

Ruling: R3 is not entitled to 2B and does not make an attempt to go back to 1B. After the pitcher has the ball in the 8-foot circle, time should be call and R3 returned to 1B.

OK, still being case book deficient, what is the reasoning for this? That runner on 2nd (R1) has gotta go somewhere. By rule, she can't stay on 2nd, since it was already occupied and no force was in effect on this play. Following this line of reasoning, she has to go somewhere legally, and that can onlY BE 1st. Soooooo, why is the LBR negated? Because she's on a base? By rule, she can't stay on that base! She has to go back to 1st.

Somebody help this ole hick out? [/B]

No one has violated any rules at this point.

There is no rule forbidding two runners to touch a base simultaneously.

There is no rule stating a pitcher MUST make a play on a runner.

There is a rule which states that once a runner has stopped on a base and the pitcher has the ball in the circle, if she leaves that base, she is out.

There is no rule forcing any runner to violate any rules.

The LBR is not negated as if ANY runner leaves their base, they are ruled out unless the pitcher makes a play. But the pitcher knows that if she makes a play toward 2B, the runner on 3B may advance, so she isn't going to make a play.

Everything is within the rules and you cannot force a player to violate the rules. IOW, it is a stand-off, stalemate, whatever you want to call it.