Tag Up Question

Dukat · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 01:27pm

I am a 10U ASA Slowpitch softball coach. I had a runner on 1st when the batter hits a foul tip. Once the catcher catches the ball am I allowed to tag up my runner as if it were any fly-ball?

Dakota · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 01:47pm

No, you may not advance the runner on a foul tip in ASA slowpitch. The ball is dead.

ASA 7-4-D

Dukat · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 01:56pm

I caught myself looking all over the rule book for the answer and could not. Where is it listed? With that said would the same apply with a normal foul ball as R8-S4-E states you can advance with liability to be put out "When a legally caught fly ball is first touched by any defensive player" and I have see tag ups in older slowpitch softball on standard foul balls.

mo99 · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 02:19pm

Dukat: I think there is a misunderstanding in terminology of your question.I think you are referring to a foul ball and not a foul tip.A foul ball caught by the catcher would have to be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground to be a foul ball.A foul tip is a ball which goes directly from the batter into the catchers glove.I dont umpire slow pitch,but in fast pitch,a caught foul tip is a live ball situation in which runners are able to advance.On a caught foul ball,runners can tag up after the catch which the rules would be the same in either slow pitch or fast pitch.

Jeff

Dukat · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 02:26pm

Thats what I thought but I wanted to be sure. Thanks alot.

Dakota · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 02:37pm

First, a caveat... I am an ASA umpire, but I only do fastpitch, so I don't know anything about local rules, etc.

Concering the foul tip,

ASA Rule 7 - BATTING. Section 4. A STRIKE IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE. D. For each foul tip. EFFECT ...(Slow Pitch Only) The ball is dead and the batter is out if it is the third strike.

Concerning an ordinary foul ball,

ASA Rule 7 - BATTING. Section 4. A STRIKE IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE. F. (Slow Pitch Only) For each foul ball, including the third strike. ... EFFECT ...The ball is dead and each runner must return to his base...

Concerning a "caught foul ball" (actually, a fly ball caught in foul territory):

ASA Rule 1 - DEFINITIONS. FLY BALL. A fly ball is any ball batted into the air.... FOUL BALL. E. ... A caught fly ball is not a foul ball.

On a foul ball, the ball is dead and runners may not advance.

On a foul tip, in slow pitch, the ball is dead and runners may not advance.

On a fly ball legally caught in foul territory, the ball is live and runners may tag up and advance with liability to be put out.

If this still does not cover your question, please clarify the situation you are asking about.

Dukat · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 02:52pm

That did it exactally. Thanks.

whiskers_ump · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 18, 2001, 09:27pm

I was going to reply to DUKAT, but after reading DAKOTA'S
reply, decided to SHUT-my-MOUTH. Nice research DAKOTA.

Dakota · #9 (**permalink**) Thu Apr 19, 2001, 10:11am

Thanks for the kind words, whiskers! Just trying to help (and also learn - looking this stuff up is kind of a painless way to study!)

Dukat · #10 (**permalink**) Thu Apr 19, 2001, 11:43am

Not to mention, Where else can you go and receive expert advice so quickly. It is a priceless resource for coaches who might run into situations where you can get unbiased rules interpretations based on the book from myriad professionals. I am now hooked, Just forgive me if I ask a question or so down the line that "You should know if you were a good coach" As that is the reason I am here. Thanks Guys