When is the ball past the fielder?

[CecilOne]

It looks like the OP question is more about geometry than rule. As described, the fielders are behind the "base line", but possibly closer to HP than 2nd base. The line between does not matter, but the distance from HP might.

The OP Q asks how to define "passes". A runner on 2nd is further from HP than F3 and F5, so "past" them. If F4 & F6 are playing inside the base line, (as if expecting a bunt), the runner on 2nd is "past" them. All that is based on distance from HP and it is geometrically possible to be outside the base line and be closer to HP than 2nd base.

I think that determines the rule application unless there is an interp which says anything about how close to the "passed" fielder the ball has to be.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

It looks like the OP question is more about geometry than rule. As described, the fielders are behind the "base line", but possibly closer to HP than 2nd base. The line between does not matter, but the distance from HP might.

The OP Q asks how to define "passes". A runner on 2nd is further from HP than F3 and F5, so "past" them. If F4 & F6 are playing inside the base line, (as if expecting a bunt), the runner on 2nd is "past" them. All that is based on distance from HP and it is geometrically possible to be outside the base line and be closer to HP than 2nd base.

I think that determines the rule application unless there is an interp which says anything about how close to the "passed" fielder the ball has to be.

Exactly Cecil.

F5 is probably less than 60' from HP and R1 is probably closer to 80'. Did it pass an infielder? Depends on your perspective.

I think we need to make a decision as to whether or not interfence actually occurred and not just read the black and white rule.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

F5 is probably less than 60' from HP and R1 is probably closer to 80'.

84 ft 10 in to center of 2nd

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

84 ft 10 in to center of 2nd

But who's counting?

[youngump]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

84 ft 10 in to center of 2nd

If R1 were standing in the center of second, we'd probably be having a different discussion.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

84 ft 10 in to center of 2nd

I was assuming she moved a little bit.

[ronald]

I have no out for the op. the ball has passed an imaginary line drawn from where the 1b and 3rd baseman normally stand in fp.

[Gulf Coast Blue]

Originally Posted by ronald

I have no out for the op. the ball has passed an imaginary line drawn from where the 1b and 3rd baseman normally stand in fp.

I did not see a smiley face.....but hope you are joking.

ASA does not recognize any sort of "String" theory.

The ball actually has to pass and infielder......in Rachel's OP.....it did not.

The ball is dead and the runner is out. Yes......this is going by the black and white of the rule. If ASA wants me to judge anything else, they can create a case play or interpretation in the UM.

Joel

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Blue

The ball actually has to pass and infielder......in Rachel's OP.....it did not.

Joel

Which goes back to the OP Q (and mine) of how to define "passes", and how close to the "passed" fielder the ball has to be.

[Gulf Coast Blue]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

84 ft 10 in to center of 2nd

It is actually 84' 10 and 1/4"

Joel

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Blue

It is actually 84' 10 and 1/4"

Joel

again I say, But who's counting"