hmm.. so the real answer is obvious, since either INT ruling (OBS is not a valid ruling IMO) could get you dragged before a protest.

If at all possible, rule in the manner that favors the team that will probably lose the game.

:D

I've seen real umpires dancing with the mascot in Single A ball. Okay, maybe they weren't real umpires, but they stayed on the field near the 1B line when pitches were being thrown.

I don't recall seeing either of these rules (definitions) cited in this long, but interesting thread.

FAIR BALL.
...Detached equipment discarded by the offense or defense over fair terrritory becomes part of the ground and has no effect in determining fair/foul status when a batted ball initiates contact with theh equipment (as long as it was not an intentional act by the player when contacting the ball.)...

Since there is a referrence to fair/foul status in this, and there is a referrence to intent, would there be a potential interpretation from this perspective?


FOUL BALL.
D. While over foul territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball.

a.) Does "runner" include "batter-runner"?

b.) Would "R or B-R deliberatley kicking the ball while over foul teritory" constitue interfering with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball? INT?

FOUL BALL. [a batted ball that . . .]
D. While over foul territory, a runner interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball.

a.) Does "runner" include "batter-runner"?

b.) Would "R or B-R deliberatley kicking the ball while over foul teritory" constitue interfering with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball? INT?

Good point. It looks as if the ball rolling fair after the interference is irrelevant.

I would say that runner does include batter-runner.

I think we decided that in ASA, it is not interference if a BR or runner intentionally kicks a foul ball, even if the ball had a chance to become fair. This is contrary to NCAA, which like OBR specifically prohibits such action. I don't know about FED.

If a batter-runner is not intended as a subset of runner, then BR is not out for running violations not enumerated in 8.2. While 8.2-B includes "if legally put out prior to reaching first baes", it doesn't spell out "out of the basepath to avoid a tag" without regard to the running lane, or whether being tagged or even if the ball beats the BR to first base applies.

It is my opinion that all batter-runners are runners, too; just a separate class with added rules and exceptions; if not an exception, the included rules apply.