F2 Throws to F5 to Hold R2

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I worked an ASA-sanctioned Father's Day All Star tournament this past weekend. I noticed quite regularly this situation:

Runner on second (R2) took a pretty good lead after each pitch. When F2 would catch the pitch, she would stand up, look at R2 as R2 stood there, maybe even feint a throw to second, and then would throw the ball to F5 covering third base. F5 would then chase R2 back to second before throwing the ball to F1.

Would this be a situation where F2 is throwing to a base but not actually making a play on a runner? In almost every case, R2 never made any move toward third. She just stood there maybe 10-15 feet off second, baiting F2 to throw behind her so that she could take off for third.

Nobody complained about it, but I was curious. It seemed to be fairly routine tactic to address the situation.

What is the opinion on this if we were talking high school rules? My personal opinion, since F5 chases R2 back towards second, she is making a play on the runner, therefore no problem. Also, I think it helps to know the intent of the action by R2. She is likely hoping that F1 fires to F4 or F6 in an attempt to pick her off second, at which time she will break to third base attempting to steal 3rd. Its just one of those little games that get played between offense and defense, and is designed to catch a sleeping team sleeping.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

What is the opinion on this if we were talking high school rules? My personal opinion, since F5 chases R2 back towards second, she is making a play on the runner, therefore no problem.

F2's throw itself has to be a play on the runner. Read the definition of Play in the rule book. It says, in part, "An attempt by a defensive player to retire a runner or a batter-runner." F2 is not making a play by throwing to F5 here unless it's clear that R2 is running for third.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Manny A

F2's throw itself has to be a play on the runner. Read the definition of Play in the rule book. It says, in part, "An attempt by a defensive player to retire a runner or a batter-runner." F2 is not making a play by throwing to F5 here unless it's clear that R2 is running for third.

They're making as much of play on the runner here as they are when F2 throws to F3 on a base on balls, which Fed says is a play. NFHS can't have it both ways.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

F2's throw itself has to be a play on the runner. Read the definition of Play in the rule book. It says, in part, "An attempt by a defensive player to retire a runner or a batter-runner." F2 is not making a play by throwing to F5 here unless it's clear that R2 is running for third.

This is not what is taught. This throw is not against the rules.

[tcannizzo]

Originally Posted by Manny A

F2's throw itself has to be a play on the runner. Read the definition of Play in the rule book. It says, in part, "An attempt by a defensive player to retire a runner or a batter-runner." F2 is not making a play by throwing to F5 here unless it's clear that R2 is running for third.

That throw could be a documented play in their play book; or even an invented play on the spot. Who knows what evil lurks....

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

That throw could be a documented play in their play book; or even an invented play on the spot. Who knows what evil lurks....

A "documented play in their play book" may be quite different than the definition of play in the rule book.