Wierd play

[Mad Hornet]

Runner on 3rd 2 out. Sky high pop up is hit lands in between the catcher, pitcher, and 3b then bounces backward hitting the runner going home in fair territory. None of the defensive fielders touched the ball. Is the runner safe because it went past the catcher in this situation before hitting her? Does she count as an infielder because she came out of the catcher's box to make an attempt on the pop up?

 

[coachjwb]

I have to believe that catcher doesn't count, and that runner is out ... but will be interesting to see what the experts have to say ...

 

[jt7663]

That is why you should practice always running home in Foul Territory which would eliminate any potential problems

 

[blakeloring]

If it hits the runner in fair territory, she's out regardless. Where the catcher is shouldn't have anything to do with the play, unless she touches it before it touches the runner.

 

[BretMan2]

A few years ago a similar question was posted on another forum and it generated pages and pages of responses.

Speaking ASA...The rules say that a runner, not in contact with a base, who is hit by a fair batted ball before it passes an infielder is out.

Note that the rule says INfielder, not "any fielder". ASA defines an infielder as "a fielder who defends the area of the field around first, second, third or shortstop areas".

So, for the purpose of this rule the catcher is not an infielder. You only have to determine if the ball passed F3, F4, F5 or F6. If the ball never passed any of them then the runner is out.

 

[BretMan2]

If it hits the runner in fair territory, she's out regardless.

Not if the runner is contacting a base.

Not if the ball passed an infielder and no other fielder had an opportunity to make an out.

 

[The3dm]

Not if the runner is contacting a base.

Not if the ball passed an infielder and no other fielder had an opportunity to make an out.

Also, it is stated that the runner is NOT out if the ball was deflected or touched by the pitcher prior to striking the runner.