Sample Play for ASA
 

ASA rules.

3-2 count, R1 on second base. Ball four is in the dirt and rebounds off the catcher, then goes a few feet up the first base line.

The batter-runner heads for first and: A) intentionally, or; B) unintentionally, contacts the ball.

What is the call and what rule number covers it?

The rule cite is the tricky part...

We have rules for runners hit by batted balls or thrown balls. But I'm not finding anything concrete that covers a batter-runner hit by a deflected pitch/loose ball.

Obviously, if the B/R intentionally kicked the ball she would be out. I threw in the "intentional/unintentional" option just looking for input if "intent" even plays a part in this call.

The conversation this generated at one of our meetings ranged from "it's nothing, live ball, play on", to "it's interference, batter-runner is out (regardless of intent), to "dead ball, place B/R on first base".

I would go with the "Live Ball, Play On" group, unless it was done intentionally.

My rationale is this: A runner is not expected to avoid being contacted by a batted ball that has been deflected by an infielder. So why should we hold him/her to a higher responsibility on a pitched ball that has been deflected by the catcher?

Of course, that argument goes out the window on a dropped-third strike. I never could understand the rationale with that one...

Closest I can find so far is the last exception in rule 7. But, it is dealing with a return throw to the pitcher. Based on the wording of that rule, I could see where if no runner was advancing prior to the contact and it was not intentional contact with the ball, just kill it return runners to last base and put the B/R on 1st.

I like that reasoning, but it seems to come down to impeding a play or not.

If we're going to be consistent with other rulings - generally, if the batter interferes with a potential play, we have an out; but if the batter "interferes" while there is NO potential play, and a play develops because of that "interference", it's just a dead ball - put the runner back.

(B) is nothing.
(A) is - if no play, B/R to first, runner back; if there is a play, B/R out, runner back.

My ASA book is from 2011 so perhaps somethng has changed but 8.2.f.6 mentions interference with a dropped third strike which I believe the OP describes. I think most of us know what three things always happen when interference occurs. Dead, out, return.

You are correct for a D3K. However, the OP said:

Um ... what?

Excuse me. I guess I should read better. Our group recently had a long discussion on the DTK situation and I could not figure out why no one could get it. My bad.

Live ball unless the umpire decides there was interference.

Lets say it was a dropped 3rd strike it would only be interference if the kick was intentional. The Batter Runner has a right to run to first on a dropped 3rd strike so they are not doing anything illegal if it is unintentional.

Speaking ASA

No intent is necessary.

What if F2 intentionally directed the U3K into the feet of the batter?
No response required.:cool:

Oh, I just noticed the "no response required" not.
So I'll just offer my non-required response which is: :rolleyes:
LOL