Question for Brent Man on runner hit by ball

[Caines03]

We had a runner hit by a hit ball in a game. The runner was called out and deadball.

Here is the question.

Runner at first and a hard hit ball down first base line. First base was in front of the runner and the ball passed the first baseman and hit the runner going from first to second.

What is the call once the ball passes the infielder and hits the baserunner?

 

[cobb_of_fury]

No call - incidental contact, play on

 

[snoman76]

1. If the ball was hit down the line how was she hit by the ball?
2. If the umpire thinks that P4 has an opportunity to make a play on the ball then the runner would be out.

If the girl was hit running to 2nd then my guess would be that P4 would be the fielder making the play unless the runner got absolutely no jump off first then I can see her getting hit 1 step from the base and in that case I would have to agree with Cobb.

 

[Caines03]

hard hit ball.. it was a hit, not error

 

[snoman76]

I'm just trying to envision the play. When you say "down the line" I assume the ball is going between P3 and the base which means the runner "should" be well past the point of being hit by the ball regardless of how hard it's hit.

Regardless, this is a judgement call, if the umpire feels that P4 can make the play then he/she calls her out and if not then its what Cobb said

Rule 8 Section 7. (K)
When a runner is struck with a fair untouched batted ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes an infielder , excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make an out. The ball is dead and the runner is out.

 

[Longtoss1]

It was not exactly down the line....it was hit to the first base mans right side kinda between her and the second baseman if this helps clarify.

 

[BretMan2]

Pretty much already stated...

A runner hit by a batted ball that has passed a fielder is NOT out, unless there is another fielder behind her who could still make a play. On this play, that second fielder might be the second baseman, or it could even be the right fielder if she was playing in and could have a play at first base.

If no second fielder- live ball, play on, get what you get.

If there is a second fielder- dead ball, runner out, any other runners return to last base, batter-runner placed on first base.

 

[snoman76]

It was not exactly down the line....it was hit to the first base mans right side kinda between her and the second baseman if this helps clarify.

Ok. That's a tough one, unfortunately you're at the mercy of the umpires judgement. Either they don't know the rule (which is the case more times then not) or he/she felt their 2nd base was a stud and could cover some serious ground.

Based on where I would assume P4 would be playing and not being there to see the play I would guess that they got the call wrong. What was the umpires explanation? if any.

And what bretman said..

 

[BruisedShins]

If the ball was hit hard, as you say, then there could have been a reasonable chance for the RF to throw the batter out at 1st. Sounds like a good call, unless the RF was backed up all the way to the fence.

 

[Longtoss1]

This is what we figured....but hey bad calls..or missed calls happen and its part of the game. The umpiring overall for the whole weekend was outstanding and consistent. This call could have lead to a big inning but we will never know and it would still be no guarantee that we would have come out on top, I think we just wanted to know if the call was possibly incorrect. Thanks to all who chimed in.

 

[Caines03]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eriW23z9k3Y

 

[snoman76]

Tough Angle but it looks like RF had no play based on when she came into frame and where the runner was. Only thing I could assume is they thought 2nd could make the play. Nice solid hit.

 

[Caines03]

Thanks snowman.. It was a crazy play. there was a lot of debating from the stands.....

 

[FPDAD03]

Tough angle but it looks like the 2nd baseman is coming right behind the base runner as she gets hit. I think it is reasonable to assume that the 2nd baseman had a chance to make a play on the ball.