Situation: Multiple field complex. 1 out and runner on first. Batter hits a solid line drive to right center gap (adult fields so the fences were 300'). As the lead runner is in the process of rounding third a foul ball from another field lands in the infield and ump calls dead ball (our HC though the runner had cleared 3rd but in umpires judgement she had not). The right fielder still has not yet gotten to the ball. He sends lead runner back to 3rd and awards batter-runner 2nd. Is this correct?
I have no idea what is the correct ruling
- Thread starter SoCalDad
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
To start, shouldn't have killed the ball. But the fact that it was, the placement of the runners is solely up to the umpire. By the book, the runners should end up on the last base touched at the time the ball became dead.
Was that a local rule, at the complex?
No idea. This was at one of the Sportsplex USA facilities. It may be a rule but we were up 6 - 3 and time was near expiring so HC didn't feel it was worth arguing further.
Probably not any sort of written park or local rule. More than likely just an umpire that jumped the gun on calling "time" too soon.
If there isn't a play in progress, sure, call time when a stray ball comes on the field. But if you're in the middle of a play, and the stray ball is not interfering with anything...forget about it. Calling time there deprives the teams of opportunities to advance the bases or make outs. Let the play procede to it's natural conclusion.
If there isn't a play in progress, sure, call time when a stray ball comes on the field. But if you're in the middle of a play, and the stray ball is not interfering with anything...forget about it. Calling time there deprives the teams of opportunities to advance the bases or make outs. Let the play procede to it's natural conclusion.
