Ball 4 throw to first?

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

I am going to disagree about it being a dumb play. Only two things have to happen for it to be a very smart play. First, the runner on 3rd needs to not be paying attention. If she takes off home when the throw goes to first, the throw back home should be in time to nail the runner at the plate. Second, the team must execute the play, and actually catch the thrown balls.

As it was also mentioned, this play will also generally force the B-R to stay at first base. Remember the LB rule is not even activated until the BR reaches first base, so even if it is thrown to the pitcher in the circle, the LB rule is not in effect until the B-R touches first.

Yes, for a team that doesnt know how to run the bases it will hold runners. A team that does know how to run bases it will do nothing. It doesnt even necessarily hold the runner at 1st. What keeps the runner from just breaking for 2nd as soon as F3 throws the ball back to the pitcher? A team that knows what they are doing and uses the lookback rule will easily get 2 outs on a runner attempting to advance to 2nd on a walk with a runner on 3rd if the team attempts to score the runner.