The beer thread

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Had a play tonight in the State 14U Championship game.

Runners on 1st & 2nd, B4 strikes out and in disgust swings the bat downward striking the ball which was dropped by F2. Runners advanced one base and B4 headed to the dugout.

As one of the three umpires involved in the meeting after coach questions "play", what are you thinking and saying?

OK, I'll take a stab (w/o the books which are still in the car) to get the conversation/debate rolling:

I'm assuming by the description of the sitch, that B4 did not swing at the 3rd strike and that it was a called 3rd strike by the PU.

I don't see how the runners can be allowed to advance. Offensive player (B4) did something wrong in "striking the ball which was dropped by F2."

At the very least, dead ball and the runners return to 2B and 1B.

However, as the ball that F2 dropped was a live ball, and B4 stuck it with her bat AFTER she was called out, do we not have interference on B4 after being put out, and as such, the runner nearest home is also called out?

Irish, interesting sitch to be sure. Curious to hear everyone else's opinion and the definitive correct ruling.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

However, as the ball that F2 dropped was a live ball, and B4 stuck it with her bat AFTER she was called out, do we not have interference on B4 after being put out, and as such, the runner nearest home is also called out?

The batter could not be called out before hittiing the ball as it was an U3K, so "stuck it with her bat AFTER she was called out" is not the case.
I think I would have ruled batter-runner interference, dead ball, BR out, no runners advance.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

The batter could not be called out before hittiing the ball as it was an U3K, so "stuck it with her bat AFTER she was called out" is not the case.
I think I would have ruled batter-runner interference, dead ball, BR out, no runners advance.

If runners advance, not two outs; and first base was occupied. So batter is out, never became a batter-runner.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

If runners advance, not two outs; and first base was occupied. So batter is out, never became a batter-runner.

Yeah, the OP doesn't say outs, so "B4 headed to dugout" is ambiguous. But does "Runners advanced" mean legally?
If not 2 outs, B4 is out on the K. But did she interfere with the catcher getting another out?
If INT, then KJump's "interference on B4 after being put out, and as such, the runner nearest home is also called out" would apply.
But then is B4 treated as a retired runner?

Looks like a good reason for 3 umpires.

[JefferMC]

what are you thinking and saying?

I'm thinking I need a beer.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

I'm thinking I need a beer.

My thoughts, exactly!

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

The batter could not be called out before hittiing the ball as it was an U3K, so "stuck it with her bat AFTER she was called out" is not the case.
I think I would have ruled batter-runner interference, dead ball, BR out, no runners advance.

Based on the description in the OP, I took it as AtlUmp Steve did...that it was not a dropped 3K sitch.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Based on the description in the OP, I took it as AtlUmp Steve did...that it was not a dropped 3K sitch.

You may also have noted, "B4" was the batter with two runners on

As stated, the batter is out. Doesn't make any difference if she was swinging or not. The batter is not eligible to advance to 1B since it was occupied at the time of the pitch.

You cannot rule that the BR interfered with a D3K since neither existed in this case.

Best case scenario, rule the ball dead as a blocked ball and return the runners if, IYJ, there was no play to be had by the catcher.

Worst case scenario, enforce 8.7.P and call the runner closest to home out (rule only requires the possibility of a play, not an out) and return the trailing runner to the base last touched at the time of the interference.

[Welpe]

We're doing dinner and a movie at the Alamo draft house. I just ordered a St. Arnold, will report back after I've tried it.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Welpe

We're doing dinner and a movie at the Alamo draft house. I just ordered a St. Arnold, will report back after I've tried it.

Which St. Arnold? They have several brews.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You may also have noted, "B4" was the batter with two runners on

As stated, the batter is out. Doesn't make any difference if she was swinging or not. The batter is not eligible to advance to 1B since it was occupied at the time of the pitch.

You cannot rule that the BR interfered with a D3K since neither existed in this case.

Best case scenario, rule the ball dead as a blocked ball and return the runners if, IYJ, there was no play to be had by the catcher.

Worst case scenario, enforce 8.7.P and call the runner closest to home out (rule only requires the possibility of a play, not an out) and return the trailing runner to the base last touched at the time of the interference.

Seems like the only important question here is who is buying the beer.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You may also have noted, "B4" was the batter with two runners on

As stated, the batter is out. Doesn't make any difference if she was swinging or not. The batter is not eligible to advance to 1B since it was occupied at the time of the pitch.

You cannot rule that the BR interfered with a D3K since neither existed in this case.

Best case scenario, rule the ball dead as a blocked ball and return the runners if, IYJ, there was no play to be had by the catcher.

Worst case scenario, enforce 8.7.P and call the runner closest to home out (rule only requires the possibility of a play, not an out) and return the trailing runner to the base last touched at the time of the interference.

Irish,
Both scenarios make sense.
Curious....how did the three of you rule in that 14U game where this play occurred....the best case scenario or the worst case scenario?

[umpirebob71]

Myself, I'm a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat fan.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Which St. Arnold? They have several brews.

Sorry...Amber Ale. Honestly, I was a little disappointed.

[argodad]

Originally Posted by umpirebob71

Myself, I'm a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat fan.

Tried it as an entrant in our annual family reunion beer-tasting. It was ruled "cough syrup" and scored low.