Ball hits runner

[Four Seam]

This thread is intended to bring out discussion about the difference if any between a base runner being hit by batted ball in fair territory, and a base runner being hit by a fair batted ball, but in foul territory. ASA rule set pls.

!. Ball is hit down third base line and is knocked down by third baseman in fair territory. Deflected ball hits base runner rounding third base, in foul territory.

2. Batter hits pop-up behind third base, which lands in fair territory, fair ball, then bounces to hit base runner rounding third base in foul territory.

Thank you for comments.

[LIIRISHMAN]

In your scenario#1 I have nothing but play on. Once the ball passes a fielder (other than the Pitcher) it's a live ball.
Scenario #2 gets a little complicated, where is the fielder in relation to the ball? The fielder has the right to play the ball free from interference from the baserunner. Again as in scenario #1 if the ball has passed the fielder the base runner may have no liability here either. Your scenarios are really HTBT to see the play unfold.

[BretMan]

Both situations are covered by the rules pertaining to runners hit by fair batted balls.

In situation #1 you have a fair batted ball as the ball was first touched by a defender over fair ground. That the runner was over foul ground when touched is irrelevant.

Fielder position in relation to the runner is not relevant either. This is a deflected ball (it deflected off of the fielder into the runner). The runner would only be out if the contact was intentional (with either the ball or another fielder who could make a play- unlikely in this scenario).

In #2, you also have a fair batted ball (it landed fair past third base). The rule about the ball having passed an infielder would come into play on this one.

As long as the runner did not intentionally contact the ball, and no other fielder had a chance to make a play (also unlikely in this scenario), the runner would not be out.

Do you think there is something special about the fact that the runner on these plays was hit while over foul ground, or are those just "red herrings" to throw us off the track?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Four Seam

This thread is intended to bring out discussion about the difference if any between a base runner being hit by batted ball in fair territory, and a base runner being hit by a fair batted ball, but in foul territory. ASA rule set pls.

!. Ball is hit down third base line and is knocked down by third baseman in fair territory. Deflected ball hits base runner rounding third base, in foul territory.

2. Batter hits pop-up behind third base, which lands in fair territory, fair ball, then bounces to hit base runner rounding third base in foul territory.

Thank you for comments.

Didn't we just go through this a little while ago?

ASA rules specifically state that a runner hit with a fair, untouched batted ball over foul territory and the defense does not have an opportunity to get an out is nothing. (8.8.E)

As far as a deflected ball, same story if the fielder could not have avoided contact with the ball. (8.8.F)

[celebur]

Originally Posted by Four Seam

This thread is intended to bring out discussion about the difference if any between a base runner being hit by batted ball in fair territory, and a base runner being hit by a fair batted ball, but in foul territory.

I think you are misunderstanding the rules on runners hit by batted balls.

It doesn't matter whether the runner is in fair or foul territory. It does matter whether the ball is fair or foul. . .or whether it's a fly ball.

Consider this--with a runner on 3B, it is normal for the runner to take a position in foul territory with the side of the foot touching the outside edge of the bag. Why?

Because if s/he is hit directly by a ground ball, it will likely be ruled a foul ball, which will be nothing against the runner. So it makes sense to position the runner in foul territory. But this doesn't provide immunity on a catchable fly ball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by celebur

I think you are misunderstanding the rules on runners hit by batted balls.

It doesn't matter whether the runner is in fair or foul territory. It does matter whether the ball is fair or foul. . .or whether it's a fly ball.

Well, that isn't right. ASA specifically addresses a runner being hit by a fair, untouched batted ball that hits the runner over foul territory and in the umpire's judgment, no fielder has the opportunity to make an out. (8.8.E)

[mook11]

Ok, I know that I am not going to add anything to the actual rules discussion here but....
Is anyone else having difficulty picturing a pop up which lands past 3rd base then bouncing and hitting a runner rounding the base? Either that ball has one hell of a backspin or that runner is taking an odd path home.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by mook11

Ok, I know that I am not going to add anything to the actual rules discussion here but....
Is anyone else having difficulty picturing a pop up which lands past 3rd base then bouncing and hitting a runner rounding the base? Either that ball has one hell of a backspin or that runner is taking an odd path home.

Not really. No more than a pop-up on the other side of the infield spinning into a BR near 1B.