What iffy play

[greymule]

Thanks, and what rule do I use to back that up?

I don't think it's in the ASA book in black and white. I asked that question a few years ago at clinic, and that's the answer I got (send the following runner back).

You might make a case for "two runners cannot occupy a base," but I think that's weak.

I did have that play happen, though. Two runners on 2B, and the pitcher ready to pitch. Needless to say, you won't see this at higher levels.

[JefferMC]

Just hold the pitcher from pitching until someone figures this out?

[youngump]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Just hold the pitcher from pitching until someone figures this out?

How, by calling time? Once I call time, it's too late. I don't think I can hold the pitcher up with the ball live.
________
MariPoly

[Rachel]

As the plate umpire would you get set with two runners on a base? I think I would just be in my holding zone until someone on the defense did something. The play is not over.

Another way to look at this would be that the runner from 2nd is not legally entitled to 3rd as it is occupied. She is stopped so LBR could be called.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Rachel

...Another way to look at this would be that the runner from 2nd is not legally entitled to 3rd as it is occupied. She is stopped so LBR could be called.

I've heard that argument made before, but I think it is questionable at best (actually, I think it is incorrect, speaking ASA).

First, 8-3-E says the second runner (the one not entitled to the base) "may be put out by being tagged..." It says nothing about any other way of being put out.

Second, the LBR speaks of the runner being "off a base", or of advancing to the next base or retreating to the previous base. I maintain that if the runner is in contact with a base (any base), the runner cannot be ruled out for a LBR violation. She may be in jeopardy of being put out for other things (occupying a base to which she is not entitled, force out, etc.), but not LBR.

Strangely, in NFHS, after a period of inactivity with no attempt to retire the runner, the umpire is to declare the ball dead and rule the runner out. See case play 8.3.3 SITUATION B.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Strangely, in NFHS, after a period of inactivity with no attempt to retire the runner, the umpire is to declare the ball dead and rule the runner out. See case play 8.3.3 SITUATION B.

How long would you wait? How about, ball back to pitcher and held, runners not giving in, coaches silent (sorry, not directing runner to do anything useful), plus a couple seconds?