Your explanation was exactly correct, Matt. The only thing I would add is that the runner can still be out if the ball passes an infielder (not including the pitcher) and no other infielder has a chance at the ball - if the runner does something intentional to get hit by the ball, then he is still out. Otherwise, as long as he doesn't do anything intentional, he is safe as you explained. I am an umpire and for the past several years I gave rules talks to my son's youth baseball team, and this is one rule that I hit every year!
Runner on second is out. It doesn’t matter if the runner is on the base. The only caveat is if the ball passed a fielder (not including pitcher,) who had an attempt on the play before hitting the runner. It’s also why I tell my runners on third to take their lead in foul territory.
Was wondering if the pitcher made a play on the ball and touched and deflected it and then it hit the runner, if the rule would still apply. Keyword TOUCHED.
The Confusion with this rule comes from a rule difference between Softball and Baseball. Softball does protect runners who are in contact with a base when hit with a batted ball. The philosophy is based upon the shortness of the distance between bases and the fact that runners cannot lead off before a pitch is released. Little League Baseball allegedly uses the same rule as NFHS Baseball or the OBR. That's a shame because in actual Little League Baseball, runners can't lead off until the ball crosses HomePlate. They probably should be protected when using 60' ft bases.
@@darinlegore284probably because you are paid to do so and get it wrong as often as they do. The difference is the players and coaches will look at the rule and learn where they were wrong. Umpires are too egotistical to admit they are ever wrong.
Now that I have listened to the remainder of your video, you reminded me of a similar play I was involved in while playing high level amateur baseball decades and decades ago. I was a runner on first and was stealing 2nd when the batter smoked a grounder into my foot while I was @ 45' from second and the second baseman was covering 2B. I was not called out by the old retired former PCL umpire, as he could see the 1st and 2nd basemen had NO chance to field the ball, and that the output of the hit striking me was to the defense's advantage, for it kept me from advancing to 3rd. In fact, the next batter up skied a deep fly ball on the first pitch to the outfield, I advanced to third, and the next batter fanned for the 3rd out.
That would require a rather creative interpretation of "before"; if that had been the intention of the rule writers, they should have written "before an infielder would have ...". IIRC, this rule doesn't require any judgment that the interference was intentional or that it benefited the offensive team. IMO you should have been called out.
Marvin, at MJH-Baseball, covered this very play & rule 4 or 5 years ago. (He did some great videos, most on LL or other youth baseball. He doesn’t post too much, as his players are, I believe out of HS.) It’s good to cover this again, as many propel think the runner is on the bag so safe.
I feel, in this situation, that the pitcher counts as a player in front of the base runner at second… as he was in a position to make a play on the ball and theoretically interfered with the view of the baserunner. Thusly, safe IMO. Secondly, despite the rule, and in the spirit of the game, imo, also safe. If not supported by the rule… I think a change is in order.
Good point. My guess is A LOT of coaches tell their pitchers to only field bunts or slow plays to their left, and keep the ground balls to the infield, and the rule reflects that. Basically pitchers are seen as the worst option for infield D. Wouldn't apply to this age group since they don't have POs yet, but rules are generic.
It wouldn't be fair to include the pitcher because they are too close and usually don't make the play regardless even when it's hit right at their feet
Reminds me of a game when I was umpiring. Nearly same situation, I was the field umpire (standing about where the umpire was here.) I initially called out and was firm with my call. The other team is screaming at me that he's safe. I held to my call and the plate umpire told me I was wrong as well. The other team said that they were going to play this game under protest so we go to the other team to let them know. The other team doesn't want to deal with it because their manager thought I was wrong as well. So I ended up changing the call to avoid the protest situation (I wouldn't do that today.) Unfortunately I didn't have my rulebook in my bag because I had been asked at the last minute.
I did a high-school game and a very similar play happened. The question I kept getting was. Is the pitcher counted as an infielder. In my case, the pitcher did make a move to the ball. My partner and I stayed with the out call. I talked to the league head umpire a couple of days later . He said we might have missed that call, because the pitcher made a play. He was not there just listened to my description.
If the fielders are on the grass in front of the runner, and the ball hits the runner is the ball considered dead? Or is the runner able to advance as much as he can?
@@CommonSense823 He should have a lead-off after the pitch, at least! What the hell happened on this play? No lead-off. Chose to stay on second for no good reason with a grounder behind him. Let himself get hit in the gonads. If this kid is learning disabled, okay, I understand, but what the hell.
@@alanhess9306No shit. He wouldn’t have been hit with the ball at all if he was where he was supposed to be. But I forgot…. They don’t teach base running in Little League. Why travel ball is where kids have to go to learn to play the game correctly. You missed the point entirely while trying to prove how big your brains are. Umpire?
Good analysis of the rule. It is pretty straightforward that there is no exception for the runner being on the base here but I always like to think of little ways that baseball rules could be tweaked to be more fair or consistent with other rules. I'm not yet sure how I feel about this one but it got me wondering if there maybe should be an exception written into the rules. It wouldn't have taken much for the runner to take a half step off the base to avoid the ball and then get back on if he wanted to but his instinct was clearly to stay on the base and I'm not sure if that's a bad thing? What do y'all think?
One thing I would note, and we have the advantage of scrubbing the video frame-by-frame, is that the runner hops slightly as the ball hits him. It looks as though his left foot comes off the bag, but his toes stay on the bag. The umpire, in real time, might have seen this movement and thought he took his foot off the bag. I would expect it to be an out either way. Great move by the pitcher to get out of the way. Even on a bounce, the ball could still be traveling faster than his pitch. Best to let the infielders handle it rather than trying to stop it. That's why the quoted rule exempts pitchers.
Out on interference is the correct call. The base does not protect the runner, except in an IFR, which this is not. Perfect call. My only critique is the umpire should have called interference immediately and emphatically to remove a lot of the post-play confusion.
@@synchronium24because they still interfered with a batted ball before an infielder had a chance to make a play on it. Intention is irrelevant in this situation. A runner cannot hinder an infielder’s attempt to make a play on a batter ball. Period.
Is this a judgement call, ie does the umpire need to judge weather the fielders could have made a play? Or is it automatic if the fielders are behind the base(line)?
That's not the rule. The ball has to get past the infielders for the exception to apply. It doesn't matter whether the infielders actually had a play on it or not. Also, there is no baseline on this play. A baseline is only created during a tag attempt. The ball was dead when it contacted the runner and no tag could be made.
On love, you are incorrect in your definition… there is ALWAYS a baseline. It is a straight line from one base to the next. Your statement would be true if you used the term BASEPATH. A runner creates his own basepath, and it only becomes an issue when a play is being made on him.
@CommonSense823 except that Roy is the only one that is correct. The baseline is the direct path between bases. . The runners BasePath is what becomes established at the time of a tag attempt. Just because everyone uses the wrong terms, doesn't make them correct. Baselines never change, basepaths do
And to add to the batter is credited with a single - there have been cases where a pitcher lost their no hitter on a runner interference! How frustrating would that be??!!
the pitcher had a chance to field it but jumped out of the way? As he could have fielded the ball made the play but chose not to shouldn't this make a difference? If he had made the play it would have counted. js
Little league and any other league with closed bases (that is, no lead offs and stealing only after the ball has crossed the plate) is where you could realistically even have a hit ball with a runner still in contact with the base. This is just another case of people applying playground rules and misconceptions of what the base does for a runner to the game. The real nuance of this rule is, as you mentioned, the positions the fielders are taking on the hit and whether they are in front of or behind the line of the runner.
@@onloveandsublimation4912 Lead offs aren't allowed at his level and it was not a forced play (no runner on first). Apparently getting hit while clearly attempting to avoid the ball is "interference", but that dumb rule should be changed.
@@synchronium24this is the dumbest comment here. They can certainly take a lead once the ball crosses the plate and he damned sure better be off the bag on a ground ball. A ground ball up the middle, he should be looking to score. What he should not be doing is standing on the bag and watching the ball hit him in the balls.
@@synchronium24 You have poor reading comprehension. I said "after the pitch". ALL LL divisions permit a lead off once the ball crosses the plate- at least. Please pay attention. Also, the rule is just fine. Thanks!
Would it be possible to review in parallel with softball rules as there may be families or umpires involved in both, and there may be rule differences that are not known.
I know its different in Softball Canada. Rule 5.10.4 (g) the runner is protected on a base provided they didn't intentionally interfere with the ball or fielder. It is a dead ball if it has not passed a fielder first and a live ball if the fielder is ahead of the base (paraphrasing). Much kinder!
Yes, I think this is where some of the confusion stems from. USA and NSA softball of Michigan are the same as the Canadian rule stated by Roger. IDK about other associations or states. Super hard to convince men that grew up playing baseball that the softball rule is different. Weather they are coaching fast pitch or playing slow pitch them selves, they assume it's the same rule as baseball. It does make some sense why they are different as softball does Not have leadoffs at any level and the bases are 70' or less in majority of levels. This puts the runners on the base at time of contact much more often and also closer to the batter than baseball at most base distances, making the likelihood of unintentional interference while touching a base much more likely in softball.
Runner on second Is out, same thing happened to me 2 years ago, I was on third base and took my lead in fair territory, got hit in the knee with the ball cause I couldn’t see it in the dark (no lights)
This is little league where runners can’t lead off bases like in senior league and above where runners aren’t standing on a base when the ball passes the plate. The rule should be amended for little league play. The rule makes more sense in higher leagues where runners are a body length or so off the bag when the pitch is delivered and are already in the base path. I feel bad for the runner… taking one off the cup and getting called out for his troubles. While the ruling may technically be correct if a runner standing on a base is tagged the runner is safe so why then should a runner be out on this one in a million play? There are already different rules for little leaguers and this rule should be amended accordingly for little league play.
If I remember correctly, a pop-up directly on the base in a non-infield fly rule situation basically means that the runner has to play twister to avoid obstructing the fielder while the ball is in the air
I recall a play at second base, quite some time ago, with the Blue jays batting. Runner on second. Batter pops up, the shortstop starts to maneuver for the catch. The base runner stands with both feet on second base, crouches in a tuck position with his arms clutched around his knees, and waits for the SS to run into him. Result: batter safe at first, baserunner safe at second, SS really P**ed off...
It depends. If the batted ball passes a fielder other than the pitcher and then hits the runner, the runner is safe and the ball is live (exception). If the batted ball passes a fielder other than the pitcher, then hits the runner; however, a second fielder is behind the runner, the runner is out, the ball is dead and the batter-runner is awarded 1st base (exception exception).
Kent the pitcher an infielder after the ball is pitched? To hit the runner on 2nd base it went right by the pitcher. Should not matter they jumped out of the way, definitely had a chance to field the ball.
There is an exception tonthe exception. If the ball has passed an infielder, but there is a 2nd infielder directly behind the runner when the ball hits him it is still out. For example maybe the corners are playing in and the middle infield is playing back. If the ball passes the 3rd baseman but the shortsop is in position behind the runner to make a play on the ground ball and it hits the runner, he is out.
@@tommo9942if a second infielder has a play when it hits the runner, the runner is still out, even if passes the first fielder. He’s safe only if the umpire believes no other infielder had a play on the ball.
On a declared infield fly, the base does protect the runner. However, the runner must allow the fielder to field the batted ball. If the runner interferes with the fielder, both the batter (infield fly) and the runner (interference) are out.
Back in about 1962 I was playing in the Little League Championship game for my small town. The game was tied (don't remember the score) in the bottom of the last inning (6th inning). I came up to bat with 2 outs and the bases loaded. After several pitches, I hit a sharp ground ball just inside the first base line. There was no way the first baseman could get it because there was no stealing or "leading off the bag" by a base runner, so the first baseman played well off the bag. But the ball hit the runner on first base in the leg and he was declared out, and the inning over. Back in those days we had no lights, and because it was getting dark we had to come back the next day to finish the game, and we lost. My chance for baseball immortality evaporated and my life was ruined. BTW, I don't believe I was awarded a single, as I was the first batter up in the next inning. Obviously the runner who got hit with the ball was declared out.
I had runner called out standing on 3B because of defensive interference on a pop fly to 3b . The 3 baseman ran into the runner which was standing on 3b bag. Was this call correct?
Matt, I’ve had conversations with many people about this play. In my opinion, unless there is a force play, the baserunner at two did not need to vacate his base. Also, and this in the umpires judgement, but both infielders (SS, 2B) were not able to make a play on the batted ball so in my opinion, the baserunner at second is safe even though he was hit with the batted ball. Again, this is a judgement call by the base ump as to whether the middle infielders could make a play.
@ Well as I said, just my opinion but more importantly, it’s the judgement of the base ump… as I also indicated. Keep up. Rules are rules, and I get that, but each umpire is different on judgement calls. Some will make a judgement call different than others.
"In my opinion, unless there is a force play, the baserunner at two did not need to vacate his base." This is the "duh" intuition. It sounds like this is not the rule. If so, the rule should be changed to something more sensible.
By rule the runner is out. Like you mentioned if the fielder's were playing in and had a chance at the ball the runner would have been safe in this case.
The out/safe call is based on the umpire’s judgment as to whether an infielder had an opportunity to make a play. In my opinion, the umpire made the correct call.
I don't understand why the runner didn't move. That's has all the look of a single straight up the middle, and he should be scoring from second, not standing around and dicking the ball.
I smacked a ground ball up the middle the other day, and the runner leapt back to second (away from third) to avoid getting hit by it. He was then throw out at home on the play. 3rd out, final inning. We lost 2-1 (Just needed to vent about that one)
There is a gray area in this rule that is for the umpires interpretation of whether a “defensive play could be made on the ball by a player that it has not yet passed“. In this exact example, an Umpire could absolutely rule that neither the shortstop nor the second baseman would’ve had the ability to make a play on that exact ball with that exact bounce and it’s exact trajectory and could rule a dead ball batter gets first runner stays at second.
Don’t know the rule in LL, but in OBR or higher levels there is no such gray area. The rule is clear: if a fair ball touches a baserunner prior to being touched by or passing an infielder, other than the pitcher, the runner is out. It’s not open to interpretation. There is some interpretation in another scenario, however. If a ball is deflected by or passes an infielder, then hits the runner, but another infielder still had a play on it, the umpire should still rule the runner out. Only if the umpire is convinced that no other infielder has a play should the runner be ruled safe and the ball live.
@ This used to happen all the time in the MLB before they disallowed the shift. Right handed batter with all three infielders overloaded on the left side, runner on first takes off on a hit-and-run and the ball hits him where the second baseman would have normally been, but there was no one there to make the play. I don’t remember if it was a dead ball/everybody safe or if it was played as live, though, I can’t remember. Saw it a couple times
@@mph7282 “A runner makes contact with a batted ball that did not go through or by a fielder, unless no infielder had a chance to immediately field the ball….”
@@davidross4102 if it hits the runner before passing an infielder the runner is out and the batter is awarded 1B. Whether or not you feel the fielder could have gotten there or not doesn’t factor into it. In fact, I’ve seen the situation you describe and every single time it was ruled runner interference. It’s a dead ball, R1 out, BR to 1B.
I think the folks who maintain the runner is out are not understanding the spirit of the rule or of the game. It is clear to me the middle infielders did not remotely have a chance of fielding the grounder. The same principle applies to the infield fly rule where at a certain low level of play, a pop up hit 6/10 feet beyond second basemen has no chance of being caught -- live ball, play on. Some say the middle infielders were close. Disagree -- not even close.
The folks who maintain the runner is out are correct and you are wrong. This is not the same principle as an infield fly. It doesn't matter that the infielders could not make a play.
So George Brett won the battle in championship in the early 80s over how McRae because the ball hit the runner and Brett was awarded a single despite the runner being out. I’m not sure though if both the first and the second baseman already had a chance at the ball or not.
The runner on 2B was safe per LL rule 7.09(k) page 145, so the umpire was wrong to call him out. That rule definitively declares that if a ground ball strikes a baserunner and no infielder would have been able to play the ball, the runner is not out -- don't know if the ball is live or not -- have to look that up. The ground ball contacting the runner was to the advantage of the defense, as it prevented the runner advancing and possibly scoring on the play -- that is if he advanced instead of staying on the bag. Judging by the shadow of the second baseman and noting the position of the SS, my judgment call would have been to maintain the middle infielders possessed no chance to field the grounder up the middle.
I get your point, but the rule is always liberally interpreted in the fielder's favor. There's no time to do an engineering study and plot out everyone's projected path. If the fielders are close (i.e. in the picture), he's out.
7.09k does not apply. This ball does not pass a fielder and then touch the runner. Nor is it deflected(touched) by a fielder. The rule does not definitively declare what you assert. The clause about ‘no fielder having a play’ is in reference to the ball first passing a fielder that does not touch it.
I’m not seeing any discussion of why we have this rule. I think it’s to prevent a runner who is standing on a bag from swatting at a ball while it goes by, thereby changing its trajectory and thus preventing a defensive play.
I was playing 3B (behind the runner) in a slopitch league last year and the bases were loaded, unsure of how many out and a sharp grounder was hit right at the bag, hit the runner on 3B, who accidentally on purpose deflected it past me with one foot while still in contact with the bag with the other and 2, maybe 3 runs scored. I was pretty sure that the runner was out in this situation, seeing as how his actions were producing a distinct advantage for his team (as opposed to the step on 3B, throw to 1B double play that I was prepared to make), but since I was (relatively) new to the league and the team on offense contained several league executives that obviously didn’t know the rules, including the umpire, since games are self-umpired, I didn’t argue it too much, since it would have been pointless and just made me look stupid, I’m sure. Thanks for bringing this up
@@t-max7261the softball rule in USA and NSA are different from baseball. The base IS a safe haven for runners in both associations for unintentional interference. A fair ball hitting the runner on a base unintentionally and in front of a fielder is a dead ball, runner is safe, batter is awarded first and all other runners return to base at time of pitch (unless pushed by batter). In your case, this would result in a dead ball and one run scoring, bases loaded again for next batter. In your case, had the umpire deemed the interference intentional, the runner can be called out for intentional interference weather they are on the base or not. Good luck getting either of those calls in a self umped league though. If I were in your shoes, I would have focused on trying to get the "dead ball only one run scores" call and not even tried to get the "it's intentional so he's out" call
Yep, seems utterly ridiculous that a runner who is clearly trying to avoid the ball gets called out for interference. All the more so when he stays on base during an unforced play (no runner on first to force him to advance bases).
I didn't know about that rule. I was thinking safe because he was on the bag? I do know about getting hit in growing 🤪 by a ball traveling over 100 mph. A pretty funny story. I was coaching at my local junior college, thowing live BP. For what ssemed like for hours. I started on the mound, and every kid wanted a piece of old Jerry, even a couple of coaches. I was doing my thing wheeling and dealing. Went through every hitter on the team. As my arm got tired, i just kept creeping up a few feet. No screen. Finally, on the last guy 👦. I thought he said you better not hit me or I will charge the mound? So I am like, well, I better throw one down the middle. Sure enough, he hits a 117 mph rocket right at me! I barely had time to say "oh #%@#", got me no cup. I almost rolled around the whole mound, and the trainer came out and everything. I asked if it was ok . He said i ain't going there. Fortunately, i survived with a good bruise. Throwing live bp without a screen for 2 hours 45' away. Probably, not the best idea.
if a batted ball hits a runner before an infielder other than pitcher can make an INITIAL play on, runner is OUT. Does not matter if he's on base, except in an infield fly situation!
Ok, so here is the problem I see, if an infield player has to have a chance to field the ball, the ball came close to hitting the pitcher and the pitcher jumped out of the way instead of trying to field it. That would satisfy that part of the rule, it was the pitchers choice to let the ball go by him purposefully. The pitcher is most definitely an infielder and in play with the ball passing him. Unless this rule specifies that the pitcher isn't part of it. This being the case, the runner should be safe.
The best thing about this rule is that it kills the play. I wish they would do the same thing for the infield fly rule, at least for the younger guys. Just kill the play as soon as the umpire calls it and reset the runners. That way the confusion on the field won't lead to extra outs.
Yeah, that's a good point. That rule has to change. I get it. Baseball is no longer a contact sport, assuming it ever was. But what's going on is ridiculous.
Thank you! I think a runner should never be called for interference if they make a clear effort to avoid the ball. It's even more egregious when he's staying on base with no runner on first to force an advance and in a league where leading off isn't allowed.
I believe that the rule is the same regarding a ground ball striking an umpire. If the umpire is in front of the infield, it’s a dead ball and the batter is Out. If the Umpire is behind the infield, the ball is live even after hitting the umpire.
The only gotcha on this rule is that no infielder had a play on the ball. The base is not protection for this, but being the IF'er are in no position to make a play on the ball... this should have been a big nothing... if the SS or 2B had been close enough to make a play.. OUT.. but this is LL where the umpires are often not very well trained. Still.. I think the runner should have moved.. if only to protect his progeny... and it can pass an IF'er and still get an out if the another IF'er has a play..
It comes up so rarely, i.e., when the runner does not have a lead-off.... how often does that happen? I get that this is LL, so the lead-off doesn't come until after the pitch, but the runner should still have some sort of lead off after the pitch - which he doesn't. Instead, he let's himself get whacked in the gonads. Come on.
@ the catcher is not called out just the pitcher, the rule is flawed and needs to be updated. I agree with your ruling but not the way the rule is written. Should read past the pitcher and catcher. Slow roller up the 1st base line, hits a batter on first, the catcher had the opportunity to field the ball.
Oh boy I said safe kid says out I guess he was right I remember a kid going second to third he actually went to home but was called out ump said ball hit his foot of course the kid said it never touched me coach said no he said out you are out sit down
This rule is counterintuitive. If a runner has the option to stay on a base (no force), there should be no possible way for him to be called out, unless an ump sees a clear attempt by the runner to reach out & knock the ball down to cause interference. If the runner is on the bag in a natural stance, and makes no effort to move into the path of the ball while remaining on the base, the runner should be treated like the umpire or the base, as part of the field. This rule stinks, and should be changed.
I strongly agree. Even if the runner left the base and made a clear attempt to avoid the ball, I don't think they should be out. But this is an even more clear cut case where the runner did nothing wrong.
Tagged out by who.?Forced? He should have been taught to run in that situation. You think standing on the bag while the ball hits the ground twice is correct?
@@CommonSense823 "You think standing on the bag while the ball hits the ground twice is correct?" When there's no runner on first to force an advance and in a league where leading off isn't allowed? Hell yes, I think so. The interference rule should not be penalizing people who try to avoid the ball.
@ earlier this year there was a infield fly at the professional level in which the runner was stationed on the bag at second. The umpires called a DP but I’m purty sure the infielder was in contact with the base…..am I not remembering this correctly? Not the one where he was retreating to second, seems he was in contact with the bag….perhaps I’m wrong, but seem to remember that.
A better solution in this case would be to make the pitch that the batter hit at the runner not count, or possibly be considered either a foul ball (even though the hit was actually fair), or if there were no defensive players nearby it could be called either a ground rule single or a ground rule double, depending on whether or not any outfielder would have had a decent chance to catch the ball and quickly throw it back into the infield. If the pitch doesn't count send the runners back to whatever base they were on and the batter back to the plate.
You know how some people have big Dumbo ears? Antonelli is the opposite. Look at him in the inset box. When he's looking straight ahead it looks like he has NO ears!
Your explanation was exactly correct, Matt. The only thing I would add is that the runner can still be out if the ball passes an infielder (not including the pitcher) and no other infielder has a chance at the ball - if the runner does something intentional to get hit by the ball, then he is still out. Otherwise, as long as he doesn't do anything intentional, he is safe as you explained. I am an umpire and for the past several years I gave rules talks to my son's youth baseball team, and this is one rule that I hit every year!
Runner on second is out. It doesn’t matter if the runner is on the base. The only caveat is if the ball passed a fielder (not including pitcher,) who had an attempt on the play before hitting the runner. It’s also why I tell my runners on third to take their lead in foul territory.
Was wondering if the pitcher made a play on the ball and touched and deflected it and then it hit the runner, if the rule would still apply. Keyword TOUCHED.
Runner is safe if the ball is deflected by an infielder
If a runner is passing behind an infielder who deflects the ball, the runner is safe
@@MichaelZales-wj3tgcorrect. If a fielder, pitcher or umpire deflects the ball and then it hits the runner on the base, the runner is safe.
No. He's safe
The Confusion with this rule comes from
a rule difference between Softball and Baseball. Softball does protect runners who are in contact with a base when hit with a batted ball. The philosophy is based upon the shortness of the distance between bases and the fact that runners cannot lead off before a pitch is released.
Little League Baseball allegedly uses the same rule as NFHS Baseball or the OBR. That's a shame because in actual Little League Baseball, runners can't lead off until the ball crosses HomePlate. They probably should be protected when using 60' ft bases.
Agree completely with your reasoning
Thank you for knowing the rule, Matt. I hate that more people don't know this, especially the umpires we see in our travel leagues here in Texas.
so true. Most players & manager have very little knowledge of rules, pay us to do so, then argue our application/interpretations
@@darinlegore284probably because you are paid to do so and get it wrong as often as they do. The difference is the players and coaches will look at the rule and learn where they were wrong. Umpires are too egotistical to admit they are ever wrong.
Now that I have listened to the remainder of your video, you reminded me of a similar play I was involved in while playing high level amateur baseball decades and decades ago. I was a runner on first and was stealing 2nd when the batter smoked a grounder into my foot while I was @ 45' from second and the second baseman was covering 2B.
I was not called out by the old retired former PCL umpire, as he could see the 1st and 2nd basemen had NO chance to field the ball, and that the output of the hit striking me was to the defense's advantage, for it kept me from advancing to 3rd. In fact, the next batter up skied a deep fly ball on the first pitch to the outfield, I advanced to third, and the next batter fanned for the 3rd out.
That was you on second? Dang, took a hit in a bad spot and kept in there. Nice.
You should have been called out.
@@alanhess9306 Brilliant.
@@cwj9202 Yes, adhering to the rules is brilliant.
That would require a rather creative interpretation of "before"; if that had been the intention of the rule writers, they should have written "before an infielder would have ...".
IIRC, this rule doesn't require any judgment that the interference was intentional or that it benefited the offensive team. IMO you should have been called out.
I guessed wrong. I thought that it mattered that the runner was on base. Great video and explanation (as always)!
Marvin, at MJH-Baseball, covered this very play & rule 4 or 5 years ago. (He did some great videos, most on LL or other youth baseball. He doesn’t post too much, as his players are, I believe out of HS.)
It’s good to cover this again, as many propel think the runner is on the bag so safe.
No. The bag is only a sanctuary during an infield fly.
I honestly had to learn something new. Never saw that before. In most baseball, the runner has a lead and would not be tied to the bag.
I feel, in this situation, that the pitcher counts as a player in front of the base runner at second… as he was in a position to make a play on the ball and theoretically interfered with the view of the baserunner. Thusly, safe IMO.
Secondly, despite the rule, and in the spirit of the game, imo, also safe. If not supported by the rule… I think a change is in order.
Good point. My guess is A LOT of coaches tell their pitchers to only field bunts or slow plays to their left, and keep the ground balls to the infield, and the rule reflects that. Basically pitchers are seen as the worst option for infield D. Wouldn't apply to this age group since they don't have POs yet, but rules are generic.
The rule specifically refers to the ball passing an infielder OTHER THAN THE PITCHER. So it doesn't matter how you feel, he's out.
It wouldn't be fair to include the pitcher because they are too close and usually don't make the play regardless even when it's hit right at their feet
The RULE EXPRESSLY excludes the pitcher as an infielder. Your feelings have nothing to do with the rules. Thank God.
Think, don’t feel.
Reminds me of a game when I was umpiring. Nearly same situation, I was the field umpire (standing about where the umpire was here.) I initially called out and was firm with my call. The other team is screaming at me that he's safe. I held to my call and the plate umpire told me I was wrong as well. The other team said that they were going to play this game under protest so we go to the other team to let them know. The other team doesn't want to deal with it because their manager thought I was wrong as well. So I ended up changing the call to avoid the protest situation (I wouldn't do that today.) Unfortunately I didn't have my rulebook in my bag because I had been asked at the last minute.
I don't carry a rule book. I make them prove that I'm wrong.
Super interesting. I didn’t know this. Thanks for posting!
Matt if the ball hits the runner past the infielders (excluding pitcher) and runner is not out: is it a dead or live ball?
I did a high-school game and a very similar play happened. The question I kept getting was. Is the pitcher counted as an infielder. In my case, the pitcher did make a move to the ball. My partner and I stayed with the out call. I talked to the league head umpire a couple of days later . He said we might have missed that call, because the pitcher made a play.
He was not there just listened to my description.
If the fielders are on the grass in front of the runner, and the ball hits the runner is the ball considered dead? Or is the runner able to advance as much as he can?
Bigger question…. Why is the base runner on the bag on a ground ball up the middle?
The runner at 2B was not forced.
@ so what? Ball hit behind him if he’s off the bag. He should be gone. Absolutely no excuse to be on the bag in that situation.
@@CommonSense823 The runner is out. It doesn't matter if he is on or off the base.
@@CommonSense823 He should have a lead-off after the pitch, at least! What the hell happened on this play? No lead-off. Chose to stay on second for no good reason with a grounder behind him. Let himself get hit in the gonads. If this kid is learning disabled, okay, I understand, but what the hell.
@@alanhess9306No shit. He wouldn’t have been hit with the ball at all if he was where he was supposed to be. But I forgot…. They don’t teach base running in Little League. Why travel ball is where kids have to go to learn to play the game correctly.
You missed the point entirely while trying to prove how big your brains are. Umpire?
Good analysis of the rule. It is pretty straightforward that there is no exception for the runner being on the base here but I always like to think of little ways that baseball rules could be tweaked to be more fair or consistent with other rules. I'm not yet sure how I feel about this one but it got me wondering if there maybe should be an exception written into the rules. It wouldn't have taken much for the runner to take a half step off the base to avoid the ball and then get back on if he wanted to but his instinct was clearly to stay on the base and I'm not sure if that's a bad thing? What do y'all think?
Couldn't the argument be made that the pitcher was a fielder on that play? Or is the pitcher always exempt in that specifice rule?
Could it be considered that the pitcher had a "chance" to make the play?
The rule specifically excludes 1 from consideration.
@jasonfullerton7763 ahh good to know thanks for the info
Nice job, happy holidays, thanks for posting.
One thing I would note, and we have the advantage of scrubbing the video frame-by-frame, is that the runner hops slightly as the ball hits him. It looks as though his left foot comes off the bag, but his toes stay on the bag. The umpire, in real time, might have seen this movement and thought he took his foot off the bag. I would expect it to be an out either way.
Great move by the pitcher to get out of the way. Even on a bounce, the ball could still be traveling faster than his pitch. Best to let the infielders handle it rather than trying to stop it. That's why the quoted rule exempts pitchers.
Out on interference is the correct call. The base does not protect the runner, except in an IFR, which this is not. Perfect call. My only critique is the umpire should have called interference immediately and emphatically to remove a lot of the post-play confusion.
Why are runners out for "interference", even when they're making a clear effort to avoid contact with the ball?
@@synchronium24because they still interfered with a batted ball before an infielder had a chance to make a play on it. Intention is irrelevant in this situation. A runner cannot hinder an infielder’s attempt to make a play on a batter ball. Period.
Is this a judgement call, ie does the umpire need to judge weather the fielders could have made a play? Or is it automatic if the fielders are behind the base(line)?
That's not the rule. The ball has to get past the infielders for the exception to apply. It doesn't matter whether the infielders actually had a play on it or not. Also, there is no baseline on this play. A baseline is only created during a tag attempt. The ball was dead when it contacted the runner and no tag could be made.
On love, you are incorrect in your definition… there is ALWAYS a baseline. It is a straight line from one base to the next. Your statement would be true if you used the term BASEPATH. A runner creates his own basepath, and it only becomes an issue when a play is being made on him.
@@royscott3432 NOPE! Please read the rules! A baseline only exists in your mind.
@@royscott3432oh boy. You said all of that with such conviction too. 😂
@CommonSense823 except that Roy is the only one that is correct. The baseline is the direct path between bases. . The runners BasePath is what becomes established at the time of a tag attempt. Just because everyone uses the wrong terms, doesn't make them correct. Baselines never change, basepaths do
And to add to the batter is credited with a single - there have been cases where a pitcher lost their no hitter on a runner interference! How frustrating would that be??!!
the pitcher had a chance to field it but jumped out of the way? As he could have fielded the ball made the play but chose not to shouldn't this make a difference? If he had made the play it would have counted. js
Little league and any other league with closed bases (that is, no lead offs and stealing only after the ball has crossed the plate) is where you could realistically even have a hit ball with a runner still in contact with the base. This is just another case of people applying playground rules and misconceptions of what the base does for a runner to the game. The real nuance of this rule is, as you mentioned, the positions the fielders are taking on the hit and whether they are in front of or behind the line of the runner.
Why was he not running in the first place?
Exactly. And where was his lead-off after the pitch?
@@onloveandsublimation4912 Lead offs aren't allowed at his level and it was not a forced play (no runner on first). Apparently getting hit while clearly attempting to avoid the ball is "interference", but that dumb rule should be changed.
@@synchronium24this is the dumbest comment here. They can certainly take a lead once the ball crosses the plate and he damned sure better be off the bag on a ground ball. A ground ball up the middle, he should be looking to score. What he should not be doing is standing on the bag and watching the ball hit him in the balls.
@@synchronium24 You have poor reading comprehension. I said "after the pitch". ALL LL divisions permit a lead off once the ball crosses the plate- at least. Please pay attention. Also, the rule is just fine. Thanks!
Would it be possible to review in parallel with softball rules as there may be families or umpires involved in both, and there may be rule differences that are not known.
I know its different in Softball Canada. Rule 5.10.4 (g) the runner is protected on a base provided they didn't intentionally interfere with the ball or fielder. It is a dead ball if it has not passed a fielder first and a live ball if the fielder is ahead of the base (paraphrasing). Much kinder!
Yes, I think this is where some of the confusion stems from. USA and NSA softball of Michigan are the same as the Canadian rule stated by Roger. IDK about other associations or states. Super hard to convince men that grew up playing baseball that the softball rule is different. Weather they are coaching fast pitch or playing slow pitch them selves, they assume it's the same rule as baseball. It does make some sense why they are different as softball does Not have leadoffs at any level and the bases are 70' or less in majority of levels. This puts the runners on the base at time of contact much more often and also closer to the batter than baseball at most base distances, making the likelihood of unintentional interference while touching a base much more likely in softball.
Interesting. My son just told me it happened in his college game. After an argument from the coach runner was called out.
Runner on second Is out, same thing happened to me 2 years ago, I was on third base and took my lead in fair territory, got hit in the knee with the ball cause I couldn’t see it in the dark (no lights)
This is little league where runners can’t lead off bases like in senior league and above where runners aren’t standing on a base when the ball passes the plate. The rule should be amended for little league play. The rule makes more sense in higher leagues where runners are a body length or so off the bag when the pitch is delivered and are already in the base path. I feel bad for the runner… taking one off the cup and getting called out for his troubles. While the ruling may technically be correct if a runner standing on a base is tagged the runner is safe so why then should a runner be out on this one in a million play? There are already different rules for little leaguers and this rule should be amended accordingly for little league play.
Ya, the rule is dumb and should be changed.
If I remember correctly, a pop-up directly on the base in a non-infield fly rule situation basically means that the runner has to play twister to avoid obstructing the fielder while the ball is in the air
I recall a play at second base, quite some time ago, with the Blue jays batting. Runner on second. Batter pops up, the shortstop starts to maneuver for the catch. The base runner stands with both feet on second base, crouches in a tuck position with his arms clutched around his knees, and waits for the SS to run into him. Result: batter safe at first, baserunner safe at second, SS really P**ed off...
In the case where the fielders are in front, and the ball hits the runner, is the ball dead? What happens to the batter, does he still get a single?
It depends. If the batted ball passes a fielder other than the pitcher and then hits the runner, the runner is safe and the ball is live (exception). If the batted ball passes a fielder other than the pitcher, then hits the runner; however, a second fielder is behind the runner, the runner is out, the ball is dead and the batter-runner is awarded 1st base (exception exception).
Suggestion:
Include rule citations in videos like these.
Provide the relevant rules in NFHS, NCAA, & OBR
Do you think the pitcher made an attempt?
Only out if you are running
Kent the pitcher an infielder after the ball is pitched? To hit the runner on 2nd base it went right by the pitcher. Should not matter they jumped out of the way, definitely had a chance to field the ball.
@@DennisFerguson-b9f the rule specifically says the pitcher does not count as a fielder
There is an exception tonthe exception. If the ball has passed an infielder, but there is a 2nd infielder directly behind the runner when the ball hits him it is still out. For example maybe the corners are playing in and the middle infield is playing back. If the ball passes the 3rd baseman but the shortsop is in position behind the runner to make a play on the ground ball and it hits the runner, he is out.
not if the ball goes through the 1st infieder's legs. Once the first fielder misses his opportunity to field the ball this rule fails to apply
@@tommo9942if a second infielder has a play when it hits the runner, the runner is still out, even if passes the first fielder. He’s safe only if the umpire believes no other infielder had a play on the ball.
What if an infield fly lands on the runner standing on 2nd base, hitting him (let's say on the head, for a Mark McGuire reference)?
On a declared infield fly, the base does protect the runner. However, the runner must allow the fielder to field the batted ball. If the runner interferes with the fielder, both the batter (infield fly) and the runner (interference) are out.
Back in about 1962 I was playing in the Little League Championship game for my small town. The game was tied (don't remember the score) in the bottom of the last inning (6th inning). I came up to bat with 2 outs and the bases loaded. After several pitches, I hit a sharp ground ball just inside the first base line. There was no way the first baseman could get it because there was no stealing or "leading off the bag" by a base runner, so the first baseman played well off the bag. But the ball hit the runner on first base in the leg and he was declared out, and the inning over. Back in those days we had no lights, and because it was getting dark we had to come back the next day to finish the game, and we lost. My chance for baseball immortality evaporated and my life was ruined.
BTW, I don't believe I was awarded a single, as I was the first batter up in the next inning. Obviously the runner who got hit with the ball was declared out.
I’m surprised the ump new the rule so fast
I had runner called out standing on 3B because of defensive interference on a pop fly to 3b . The 3 baseman ran into the runner which was standing on 3b bag. Was this call correct?
Yes
Matt, I’ve had conversations with many people about this play.
In my opinion, unless there is a force play, the baserunner at two did not need to vacate his base. Also, and this in the umpires judgement, but both infielders (SS, 2B) were not able to make a play on the batted ball so in my opinion, the baserunner at second is safe even though he was hit with the batted ball.
Again, this is a judgement call by the base ump as to whether the middle infielders could make a play.
Wrong. The runner is out. It does not matter if the SS or 2B could make a play.
Nope. Runner is out by rule. Rules matter in baseball, not opinions.
@ Well as I said, just my opinion but more importantly, it’s the judgement of the base ump… as I also indicated. Keep up.
Rules are rules, and I get that, but each umpire is different on judgement calls. Some will make a judgement call different than others.
@@jasondousett3620 Nope. The rules don't care about your opinions or feelings. Thanks!
"In my opinion, unless there is a force play, the baserunner at two did not need to vacate his base."
This is the "duh" intuition. It sounds like this is not the rule. If so, the rule should be changed to something more sensible.
What if the runner is on the bag and the ball hits the bag first then pops up and hits the runner with the fielder behind?
No change. Bag is in fair territory.
By rule the runner is out. Like you mentioned if the fielder's were playing in and had a chance at the ball the runner would have been safe in this case.
The out/safe call is based on the umpire’s judgment as to whether an infielder had an opportunity to make a play. In my opinion, the umpire made the correct call.
I don't understand why the runner didn't move. That's has all the look of a single straight up the middle, and he should be scoring from second, not standing around and dicking the ball.
I smacked a ground ball up the middle the other day, and the runner leapt back to second (away from third) to avoid getting hit by it. He was then throw out at home on the play. 3rd out, final inning.
We lost 2-1
(Just needed to vent about that one)
Running on second is out. Batter is credited with a single and gets first.
I thought out. The runner at 2nd should have attempted to advance the hitter should push forward to second and forced the issue.
Wut? Since when is a non-forced runner forced to advance on a batted ball?
There is a gray area in this rule that is for the umpires interpretation of whether a “defensive play could be made on the ball by a player that it has not yet passed“. In this exact example, an Umpire could absolutely rule that neither the shortstop nor the second baseman would’ve had the ability to make a play on that exact ball with that exact bounce and it’s exact trajectory and could rule a dead ball batter gets first runner stays at second.
Don’t know the rule in LL, but in OBR or higher levels there is no such gray area. The rule is clear: if a fair ball touches a baserunner prior to being touched by or passing an infielder, other than the pitcher, the runner is out. It’s not open to interpretation. There is some interpretation in another scenario, however. If a ball is deflected by or passes an infielder, then hits the runner, but another infielder still had a play on it, the umpire should still rule the runner out. Only if the umpire is convinced that no other infielder has a play should the runner be ruled safe and the ball live.
@ This used to happen all the time in the MLB before they disallowed the shift. Right handed batter with all three infielders overloaded on the left side, runner on first takes off on a hit-and-run and the ball hits him where the second baseman would have normally been, but there was no one there to make the play. I don’t remember if it was a dead ball/everybody safe or if it was played as live, though, I can’t remember. Saw it a couple times
@@mph7282 “A runner makes contact with a batted ball that did not go through or by a fielder, unless no infielder had a chance to immediately field the ball….”
@@davidross4102 if it hits the runner before passing an infielder the runner is out and the batter is awarded 1B. Whether or not you feel the fielder could have gotten there or not doesn’t factor into it. In fact, I’ve seen the situation you describe and every single time it was ruled runner interference. It’s a dead ball, R1 out, BR to 1B.
I think the folks who maintain the runner is out are not understanding the spirit of the rule or of the game. It is clear to me the middle infielders did not remotely have a chance of fielding the grounder. The same principle applies to the infield fly rule where at a certain low level of play, a pop up hit 6/10 feet beyond second basemen has no chance of being caught -- live ball, play on. Some say the middle infielders were close. Disagree -- not even close.
The folks who maintain the runner is out are correct and you are wrong. This is not the same principle as an infield fly. It doesn't matter that the infielders could not make a play.
That's why, when you take a lead off of third base, you stay in foul territory....
Dead ball 1st & 2nd
So George Brett won the battle in championship in the early 80s over how McRae because the ball hit the runner and Brett was awarded a single despite the runner being out. I’m not sure though if both the first and the second baseman already had a chance at the ball or not.
Batting championship
The runner on 2B was safe per LL rule 7.09(k) page 145, so the umpire was wrong to call him out. That rule definitively declares that if a ground ball strikes a baserunner and no infielder would have been able to play the ball, the runner is not out -- don't know if the ball is live or not -- have to look that up. The ground ball contacting the runner was to the advantage of the defense, as it prevented the runner advancing and possibly scoring on the play -- that is if he advanced instead of staying on the bag. Judging by the shadow of the second baseman and noting the position of the SS, my judgment call would have been to maintain the middle infielders possessed no chance to field the grounder up the middle.
I get your point, but the rule is always liberally interpreted in the fielder's favor. There's no time to do an engineering study and plot out everyone's projected path. If the fielders are close (i.e. in the picture), he's out.
7.09k does not apply. This ball does not pass a fielder and then touch the runner. Nor is it deflected(touched) by a fielder.
The rule does not definitively declare what you assert. The clause about ‘no fielder having a play’ is in reference to the ball first passing a fielder that does not touch it.
Nope. Thanks, though. Runner is out. Easy application of the rule.
@@onloveandsublimation4912 Easy application of a stupid rule. Change the stupid rule.
Correct me if I'm wrong. If you are a runner and you take off your helmet during play, you can get called out.
Even if the ringer is out, I seem to remember that the batter is credited with a single.
Correct. Runner is out. Ball is dead. Batter gets a single.
Batted ball hits runner, runner is out, base is not a sanctuary. Not sure of the rule number.
The runner is out. The base is only a sanctuary during an infield fly.
Correct.
I’m not seeing any discussion of why we have this rule. I think it’s to prevent a runner who is standing on a bag from swatting at a ball while it goes by, thereby changing its trajectory and thus preventing a defensive play.
I was playing 3B (behind the runner) in a slopitch league last year and the bases were loaded, unsure of how many out and a sharp grounder was hit right at the bag, hit the runner on 3B, who accidentally on purpose deflected it past me with one foot while still in contact with the bag with the other and 2, maybe 3 runs scored. I was pretty sure that the runner was out in this situation, seeing as how his actions were producing a distinct advantage for his team (as opposed to the step on 3B, throw to 1B double play that I was prepared to make), but since I was (relatively) new to the league and the team on offense contained several league executives that obviously didn’t know the rules, including the umpire, since games are self-umpired, I didn’t argue it too much, since it would have been pointless and just made me look stupid, I’m sure. Thanks for bringing this up
@@t-max7261the softball rule in USA and NSA are different from baseball. The base IS a safe haven for runners in both associations for unintentional interference. A fair ball hitting the runner on a base unintentionally and in front of a fielder is a dead ball, runner is safe, batter is awarded first and all other runners return to base at time of pitch (unless pushed by batter). In your case, this would result in a dead ball and one run scoring, bases loaded again for next batter.
In your case, had the umpire deemed the interference intentional, the runner can be called out for intentional interference weather they are on the base or not.
Good luck getting either of those calls in a self umped league though. If I were in your shoes, I would have focused on trying to get the "dead ball only one run scores" call and not even tried to get the "it's intentional so he's out" call
Yep, seems utterly ridiculous that a runner who is clearly trying to avoid the ball gets called out for interference. All the more so when he stays on base during an unforced play (no runner on first to force him to advance bases).
Runner is out. The crowd of volunteer umpires who have never read the rulebook can scream he's on the base all they want.
The base does not matter with the interference rule. It's simply part of the field.
I didn't know about that rule. I was thinking safe because he was on the bag? I do know about getting hit in growing 🤪 by a ball traveling over 100 mph. A pretty funny story. I was coaching at my local junior college, thowing live BP. For what ssemed like for hours. I started on the mound, and every kid wanted a piece of old Jerry, even a couple of coaches. I was doing my thing wheeling and dealing. Went through every hitter on the team. As my arm got tired, i just kept creeping up a few feet. No screen. Finally, on the last guy 👦. I thought he said you better not hit me or I will charge the mound? So I am like, well, I better throw one down the middle. Sure enough, he hits a 117 mph rocket right at me! I barely had time to say "oh #%@#", got me no cup. I almost rolled around the whole mound, and the trainer came out and everything. I asked if it was ok . He said i ain't going there. Fortunately, i survived with a good bruise. Throwing live bp without a screen for 2 hours 45' away. Probably, not the best idea.
if a batted ball hits a runner before an infielder other than pitcher can make an INITIAL play on, runner is OUT. Does not matter if he's on base, except in an infield fly situation!
Ok, so here is the problem I see, if an infield player has to have a chance to field the ball, the ball came close to hitting the pitcher and the pitcher jumped out of the way instead of trying to field it. That would satisfy that part of the rule, it was the pitchers choice to let the ball go by him purposefully. The pitcher is most definitely an infielder and in play with the ball passing him. Unless this rule specifies that the pitcher isn't part of it. This being the case, the runner should be safe.
The best thing about this rule is that it kills the play. I wish they would do the same thing for the infield fly rule, at least for the younger guys. Just kill the play as soon as the
umpire calls it and reset the runners. That way the confusion on the field won't lead to extra outs.
Tip. Batter runner should run into the fielder who is not closest to the ball to get called safe.
Yeah, that's a good point. That rule has to change. I get it. Baseball is no longer a contact sport, assuming it ever was. But what's going on is ridiculous.
The pitcher had a chance to field the ball. It should be a base hit and the kid should be safe with his foot on the base.
The pitcher had a chance to field it!!!
Ball went right thru the mound didn’t the pitcher have an opportunity to play the ball.
@@RonMcCullick pitcher doesn’t count as an infielder according to the rule
Kudos to the Umpire for knowing the rule.
Runner at second is out. Dead ball runner safe at 1st.
Out, if the ball hits the runner before it crosses the infield, the runner is out
Seems like a rules oversight. Should be changed to be "safe, as long as they try to avoid contact with the ball"
Thank you! I think a runner should never be called for interference if they make a clear effort to avoid the ball. It's even more egregious when he's staying on base with no runner on first to force an advance and in a league where leading off isn't allowed.
I believe that the rule is the same regarding a ground ball striking an umpire. If the umpire is in front of the infield, it’s a dead ball and the batter is Out.
If the Umpire is behind the infield, the ball is live even after hitting the umpire.
If it hits the umpire in front of the defense the batter is awarded 1st and no runners can advance unless forced.
I believe you, but I personally don't think that should be the rule. It isn't their fault that the ball hits an ump.
CUP CHECK!!
The only gotcha on this rule is that no infielder had a play on the ball. The base is not protection for this, but being the IF'er are in no position to make a play on the ball... this should have been a big nothing... if the SS or 2B had been close enough to make a play.. OUT.. but this is LL where the umpires are often not very well trained. Still.. I think the runner should have moved.. if only to protect his progeny... and it can pass an IF'er and still get an out if the another IF'er has a play..
The pitcher flinched away from the play and had ample opportunity to field it …
Don't tell Manfred about this, or he'll find some way to implement another stupid new rule.
Call it the "Ball bag rule" lol! Also if it got him on the gooch then a cup ain't helping him then lol!
Doesn't the runner have to make an attempt to get out of the way. He does if the other situations.
He's out, the bag is not a sanctuary
Called it immediately. Runner out. Dead Ball. Batter runner gains first base.
Well I thought I knew the rules to baseball.
Definitely had him safe.
Maybe I knew it at one time.
It comes up so rarely, i.e., when the runner does not have a lead-off.... how often does that happen? I get that this is LL, so the lead-off doesn't come until after the pitch, but the runner should still have some sort of lead off after the pitch - which he doesn't. Instead, he let's himself get whacked in the gonads. Come on.
the base umpire signals an out...he knew the rule!
Didnt the pitcher have a chance to field the ball? It was close enough, technically he did.
This rule needs to be updated to include both the catcher and pitcher. Technically, because the ball is in front of the catcher, everyone is safe!
What?
@ the catcher is not called out just the pitcher, the rule is flawed and needs to be updated. I agree with your ruling but not the way the rule is written. Should read past the pitcher and catcher. Slow roller up the 1st base line, hits a batter on first, the catcher had the opportunity to field the ball.
@stevenjerde5396 but even in that situation the catcher is never in front of the ball .
Everyone there should have immediately known the runner was out. They have all seen a runner on third base take his lead in foul territory
The guy on 2nd by choosing not to run is therefore not a runner and should not be out. This is a terrible call by the refs.
he got hit ON THE BAG! and he was on the base. "the base does not protect the runner" well yea he got hit on the bag!
Oh boy I said safe kid says out I guess he was right I remember a kid going second to third he actually went to home but was called out ump said ball hit his foot of course the kid said it never touched me coach said no he said out you are out sit down
This rule is counterintuitive. If a runner has the option to stay on a base (no force), there should be no possible way for him to be called out, unless an ump sees a clear attempt by the runner to reach out & knock the ball down to cause interference.
If the runner is on the bag in a natural stance, and makes no effort to move into the path of the ball while remaining on the base, the runner should be treated like the umpire or the base, as part of the field.
This rule stinks, and should be changed.
I strongly agree. Even if the runner left the base and made a clear attempt to avoid the ball, I don't think they should be out. But this is an even more clear cut case where the runner did nothing wrong.
@@synchronium24Seriously stop commenting. The runner did EVERYTHING wrong. You sound dumber with each comment you make on this.
So the runner is forced to step off the bag and be tagged out.
He could step back on, or run
Tagged out by who.?Forced? He should have been taught to run in that situation. You think standing on the bag while the ball hits the ground twice is correct?
@@CommonSense823 "You think standing on the bag while the ball hits the ground twice is correct?"
When there's no runner on first to force an advance and in a league where leading off isn't allowed? Hell yes, I think so. The interference rule should not be penalizing people who try to avoid the ball.
@ Please never, EVER coach youth baseball. Everything you just said proves you know nothing about the sport.
Gotta love the announcers who don’t know the rules.
I believe even on infield fly the base doesn’t protect you……
@@KerryJudy-i2l it does on an infield fly
@ earlier this year there was a infield fly at the professional level in which the runner was stationed on the bag at second. The umpires called a DP but I’m purty sure the infielder was in contact with the base…..am I not remembering this correctly? Not the one where he was retreating to second, seems he was in contact with the bag….perhaps I’m wrong, but seem to remember that.
Seems silly to me that you'd be out for interference when making extra effort not to get hit by the ball.
Extra effort to not get hit by the ball would include not standing there, watching the ball hit you in the junk.
He tried to jump a little to have ball go through his legs.
The pitcher could have tried fielding the ball, but he jumped out of the way.
It’s a GROUND ball!!! WHY the HELL is he NOT RUNNING to THIRD???
The base is not a safe haven from runner's interference.
A better solution in this case would be to make the pitch that the batter hit at the runner not count, or possibly be considered either a foul ball (even though the hit was actually fair), or if there were no defensive players nearby it could be called either a ground rule single or a ground rule double, depending on whether or not any outfielder would have had a decent chance to catch the ball and quickly throw it back into the infield. If the pitch doesn't count send the runners back to whatever base they were on and the batter back to the plate.
You know how some people have big Dumbo ears? Antonelli is the opposite. Look at him in the inset box. When he's looking straight ahead it looks like he has NO ears!
He should be called out for not breaking for third base after the ball went by the pitcher