Running lane surprise ruling

[whiskers_ump]

Tom,

Actually the 3-foot running thingy came up in 2001, then 2002 it was
placed in POINTS OF EMPHASIS Section.

2005 Rule read exactly the same.....Just a reminder I guess.

I have seen it called once, the first year, but it is obvioulsy
a very rare thing. Remember, it is a In the judgement of the umpire
call whether or not the runner was interfering with the 1st
baseperson taking
or receiving a throw. Cannot see it happening too often. I agree, even to
include the possiblity is not a good thing.

A base on balls has always been an awarded base. Now a runner can be
adjudged to be interfering if she carelessly throws her bat towards the
dugout area and trots towards first out of the running lane. It can be
argued that the catcher was throwing the ball to keep her from advancing
on to second, but you do not see much that either in NFHS and the older
ASA age groups. Have not done a whole lot of college, but have not seen
that there either.

JMHO



[Edited by whiskers_ump on Oct 31st, 2004 at 12:07 AM]