Message From Paul S. on the Arbiter...
Ump Stumper: 1 out, nobody on base, 2-2 count. The batter swings for the third strike and walks towards his dugout (first base side). He is five feet away from the dugout when teammates tell him that the catcher dropped the pitched ball (which he did). The catcher has already thrown the ball back to the pitcher when the batter sprints on a direct line to first base. The pitcher’s throw to first base goes out of play. Should the batter have already been declared out? If not, which base should he be awarded? (Answer at March 9th meeting.)
Please feel free to post opinions and rule references if applicable!!
-the blogger
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Rule 8-4, Art. 1.i. (p. 55) Award the batter-runner 2nd base. (Saffell)
ReplyDeletePaul is correct guys. Here is an example of a rule that Fed does different that pro. In Fed rules, the batter is not out until he leaves the field of play. Be prepared for this to happen. You do not stop umpiring when the inning "ends". You umpire all game. So know the situation and be really. Trust me funny things happen in HS games.
ReplyDeleteThis example demonstrates that: (1) the batter-runner establishes his own baseline. (2) the criteria for abandoning a base has a different criteria (umpire's judgment). (3) baseball is a funny game as long as we interpret the rules correctly. (Saffell)
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