Interference on a walked batter

[WestMichiganBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

NCAA players have it right, return the ball to the pitcher. The pitcher is the closest single player to all possible plays. The pitcher having the ball also puts the LBR in effect when it becomes available.

What good is returning the ball to the pitcher? That is the problem; the B-R automatically rounds 1B and heads to 2B. Either:

a) she gets a free base (happens all the time in sub-varsity, 12U, and even 14U travel), or

b) she draws a throw and R1 has an opportunity to score. Either way, bad news for the defense.

But if F2 snaps a quick throw to F3, then F3 is facing R1 and can throw back home to retire R1. Otherwise, if B-R takes a step off 1B she gets tagged by F3. Either way, good news for the defense.

Only way to defeat this defensive maneuver is for a smart B-R to run through the base 10' - 15', then advance towards 2B. (So far, I have not seen that "smart" B-R.)

I'm not sure why you brought in the LBR; it's not part of this discussion. Sure it goes into effect when the B-R hits 1B, but if she turns the corner and keeps on going to 2B, there is no violation.

Finally, adult women playing NCAA ball are far superior defensive players than the teenagers that seem to be the subject of this posting. Adult B-R's are not going to attempt this gaming trick because the defenders can make quick, powerfull, and accurate throws and prevent the runner from going home. But at the lower levels it is still a defensive problem.

Because it does happen a lot at lower levels, it is good to bring it up on lthis board so that the newer umpires understand the correct mechanics. Too often both umpires will be watching the pitcher/B-R interaction. But the PU has to watch R1 for possible LBR violation and leave the B-R to the BU.

WMB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichiganBlue

What good is returning the ball to the pitcher? That is the problem; the B-R automatically rounds 1B and heads to 2B. Either:

F1 has the least, absolutely unobstructed throwing lanes than anyone else. A "snap" throw to F3 means nothing if they have to wait for the runner which means R1 can move closer to home with the ball in the hands of a player nearly twice as far a way thus facilitating that runners ability to score WITHOUT risking the BR being put out.

I'm not sure why you brought in the LBR; it's not part of this discussion. Sure it goes into effect when the B-R hits 1B, but if she turns the corner and keeps on going to 2B, there is no violation.

But R1 must commit at that time and unless it is home, the defense still has the opportunity to put-out the BR with R1 60' away instead of 45' or less.

Finally, adult women playing NCAA ball are far superior defensive players than the teenagers that seem to be the subject of this posting. Adult B-R's are not going to attempt this gaming trick because the defenders can make quick, powerfull, and accurate throws and prevent the runner from going home. But at the lower levels it is still a defensive problem.

And the coaches and offensive players are not as equally inept and physically restricted as the defensive players at the younger ages?

It is nothing new. I was taught this in baseball in the '50s. Only difference was the lack of the LBR. Oh, did I mention that even moreso at the younger ages, the pitcher is quite often the more accurate and harder throwing player on the field even in softball?

Sorry, Bubba, I've seen this work quite well even at the younger ages. Looks more awkward, but no more so than the circus we see with the play it is meant to prevent.

[jmkupka]

Appreciate the feedback... while this one's low on the list of likely scenarios, I did want to verify what the rule is. So here's my take:

Not trying to get a cheap out on a walked batter, but in legitimately getting the ball to F3 to prevent the rundown crap, F2 hits the BR out of the running lane, we have a live ball, play on (speaking ASA). Right?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

Appreciate the feedback... while this one's low on the list of likely scenarios, I did want to verify what the rule is. So here's my take:

Not trying to get a cheap out on a walked batter, but in legitimately getting the ball to F3 to prevent the rundown crap, F2 hits the BR out of the running lane, we have a live ball, play on (speaking ASA). Right?

Speaking ASA

If F2 throws to F3 AND accidentally hits the BR, it is a live ball.