Would like to know the reasoning behind this part. The play was delayed dead. Once the plays finishes, (all playing action action has stopped, which it certainly has when P has ball in circle and U is even THINKING LBR) then the proper mechanic is to call 'TIME', in this case award base(s). Ball is not live again until put back in play by PU. How can B1 be called out on LBR for action during a dead ball?
Some rules to Ponder.......
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Would like to know the reasoning behind this part. The play was delayed dead. Once the plays finishes, (all playing action action has stopped, which it certainly has when P has ball in circle and U is even THINKING LBR) then the proper mechanic is to call 'TIME', in this case award base(s). Ball is not live again until put back in play by PU. How can B1 be called out on LBR for action during a dead ball?
There’s no reason to call time because there are no bases to award. The runner reached the base she would have had there been no obstruction.
Delayed dead ball, Definition: A situation in which a violation of a rule occurs and is recognized by the umpire by giving a delayed dead ball signal, but is not ruled upon until the ball becomes dead. (NFHS 2.2.5)
There still needs to be a ruling on the play, even if the awarded base is the one at which B1 is already standing. The proper mechanic is to call 'Time', rule on the play and then let PU put the ball back in play. It also eliminates the 'situation' you will have if you actually DO call that batter out as this case suggests.
There still needs to be a ruling on the play, even if the awarded base is the one at which B1 is already standing. The proper mechanic is to call 'Time', rule on the play and then let PU put the ball back in play. It also eliminates the 'situation' you will have if you actually DO call that batter out as this case suggests.
Different alphabet, but there are delayed balls in where the USA manual specifically says if certain criteria are met the violation shall be ignored (illegal pitch for instance). So you wouldn't signal delay dead ball for the illegal pitch and then after the runner hits a double, say "Time", that was an illegal pitch, but batter reached 1st safely, so the the illegal pitch is nullified!" You would just as the manual reads "ignore" the delayed dead ball.
The USA manual doesn't specify whether in the situation where a runner or BR has reached the base she would have after an obstruction that time should be called. It says that if she does and a play is made on another runner, she is liable to be put out. It does say that time should be called if she is put out prior to reaching the base she would have reached. It also says that after play has become dead to make the proper obstruction award. I find it odd that the intention is to call time in this situation and "award" her the base. But, I guess I could be wrong.
The USA manual doesn't specify whether in the situation where a runner or BR has reached the base she would have after an obstruction that time should be called. It says that if she does and a play is made on another runner, she is liable to be put out. It does say that time should be called if she is put out prior to reaching the base she would have reached. It also says that after play has become dead to make the proper obstruction award. I find it odd that the intention is to call time in this situation and "award" her the base. But, I guess I could be wrong.
I do not have the USSSA book in front of me, so cannot make the direct references. But, in NFHS not all illegal pitches are delayed dead balls, Some are immediate, others are not anything until the end of playing action(in other words, the umpire does NOT signal a delayed dead ball). For obstruction, that signal IS made and the play should be killed at the end of action (unless there is a manual that says otherwise for cases where you DO give the signal and do NOT call the subsequent time-out)
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The issue I have with the stated case is that the delayed dead ball signal WAS given, but the ball was never dead. If it had been, then the situation never occurs.
EDIT
The issue I have with the stated case is that the delayed dead ball signal WAS given, but the ball was never dead. If it had been, then the situation never occurs.
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USSSA Rules:
331. With runners on second and first base and a 1-1 count on B3, the offensive coach requests time to speak with the runners and batter. When the players return to their bases, R2 and R1 have switched places. After the next pitch to B3, the defensive coach asks for time and informs the umpire that the runners have occupied the wrong bases.
Ruling - both runners should be declared OUT for baserunning violations. In addition, since this unsporting act was the result of the conference with the coach, both players and the coach should also be EJECTED (8.18.O-P, p 52; 11.2.N)
332. There is a runner on first base when the batter hits a pitch sharply and directly to the catcher's hand or glove which is a) caught, or b) dropped.
Ruling - in a), LIVE BALL and a FOUL TIP; the batter is charged with a STRIKE, and R1 may advance at her own risk with no TAG-UP responsibility. In b), DEAD BALL and FOUL BALL; the batter is charged with a strike unless she already has two strikes. R1 may not attempt to advance on an uncaught foul ball (3.FOUL TIP, p 22; 7.5.D-E, p 39; 8.7.D, p 45)
Comment: in b), if the uncaught foul occurs on a attempted bunt, the batter is charged with a strike regardless of the count; if the charged strike is the third strike, the batter is declared out
333. There is a runner on first base with one out. B3 hits a fly ball above the infield. The infielder grasps the ball in her hand or glove but intentionally drops it so the defensive team can turn a double play.
Ruling - DEAD BALL, the batter-runner is declared OUT, and R1 must return to first base. When a fair fly (with the infield fly rule NOT in effect), fair line drive or a fair batted ball is intentionally dropped by an infielder with at least first base occupied and less than two outs, the ball is dead and the runner(s) shall return to their respective base(s) (8.17.C, p 49)
334. F1 assumes the pitching position with her pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate. The non-pivot (stride) foot is behind the plate and both feet are within the 24" width of the plate. F1 leaps from the plate and delivers the pitch as she lands with her a) non-pivot foot or b) pivot foot.
Ruling - in a), this is a LEGALLY DELIVERED PITCH. The pivot foot may be airborne prior to the non-pivot foot touching the ground. The pitcher may leap from the pitcher's plate, land with the non-pivot foot and with a continuous motion deliver the ball to the batter. In b), this is a CROW HOP; a DELAYED DEAD BALL should be signaled and an ILLEGAL PITCH should be called. The pivot foot may not leave the pitcher's plate and replant (i.e. - bear weight) prior to the delivery of the pitch (3.CROW HOP, p 20; 6.1.E.3, p 34)
Comment: this is a pitching rule change effective 1-1-22. It has been enacted by both USSSA and USA Softball, but NOT NFHS or NCAA
335. With no outs and runners on third and first base, B4 hits a grounder to F3 who steps on first base and then throws home in an attempt to retire R3. The late throw is low and winds up on the ground as R3 scores. As F2 attempts to retrieve the ball to play on R1 advancing to third, R3 steps in her way, causing her throw to F5 to be late. R1 slides into third base under F5's tag.
Ruling - DEAD BALL and INTERFERENCE is called. R3's action is interference by a RETIRED RUNNER; because she has already legally scored, she personally is not eligible to be called out for interfering. When a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare the runner closest to home (in this case, R1) OUT (8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51)
QUICKIE QUIZ:
When may a team use the Last Completed at Bat as a Courtesy Runner?
QUICKIE QUIZ ANSWER:
If, AND ONLY IF, no eligible (i.e., unused) substitute is available, then (AND ONLY THEN) the LCAB may serve as a courtesy runner
Example:
Team A has two relief pitchers on the bench when a CR situation occurs. If they have not been in the game previously in any other capacity, by rule THEY must be used as the CR's, not the LCAB (8.3.B, p 42)
331. With runners on second and first base and a 1-1 count on B3, the offensive coach requests time to speak with the runners and batter. When the players return to their bases, R2 and R1 have switched places. After the next pitch to B3, the defensive coach asks for time and informs the umpire that the runners have occupied the wrong bases.
Ruling - both runners should be declared OUT for baserunning violations. In addition, since this unsporting act was the result of the conference with the coach, both players and the coach should also be EJECTED (8.18.O-P, p 52; 11.2.N)
332. There is a runner on first base when the batter hits a pitch sharply and directly to the catcher's hand or glove which is a) caught, or b) dropped.
Ruling - in a), LIVE BALL and a FOUL TIP; the batter is charged with a STRIKE, and R1 may advance at her own risk with no TAG-UP responsibility. In b), DEAD BALL and FOUL BALL; the batter is charged with a strike unless she already has two strikes. R1 may not attempt to advance on an uncaught foul ball (3.FOUL TIP, p 22; 7.5.D-E, p 39; 8.7.D, p 45)
Comment: in b), if the uncaught foul occurs on a attempted bunt, the batter is charged with a strike regardless of the count; if the charged strike is the third strike, the batter is declared out
333. There is a runner on first base with one out. B3 hits a fly ball above the infield. The infielder grasps the ball in her hand or glove but intentionally drops it so the defensive team can turn a double play.
Ruling - DEAD BALL, the batter-runner is declared OUT, and R1 must return to first base. When a fair fly (with the infield fly rule NOT in effect), fair line drive or a fair batted ball is intentionally dropped by an infielder with at least first base occupied and less than two outs, the ball is dead and the runner(s) shall return to their respective base(s) (8.17.C, p 49)
334. F1 assumes the pitching position with her pivot foot in contact with the pitching plate. The non-pivot (stride) foot is behind the plate and both feet are within the 24" width of the plate. F1 leaps from the plate and delivers the pitch as she lands with her a) non-pivot foot or b) pivot foot.
Ruling - in a), this is a LEGALLY DELIVERED PITCH. The pivot foot may be airborne prior to the non-pivot foot touching the ground. The pitcher may leap from the pitcher's plate, land with the non-pivot foot and with a continuous motion deliver the ball to the batter. In b), this is a CROW HOP; a DELAYED DEAD BALL should be signaled and an ILLEGAL PITCH should be called. The pivot foot may not leave the pitcher's plate and replant (i.e. - bear weight) prior to the delivery of the pitch (3.CROW HOP, p 20; 6.1.E.3, p 34)
Comment: this is a pitching rule change effective 1-1-22. It has been enacted by both USSSA and USA Softball, but NOT NFHS or NCAA
335. With no outs and runners on third and first base, B4 hits a grounder to F3 who steps on first base and then throws home in an attempt to retire R3. The late throw is low and winds up on the ground as R3 scores. As F2 attempts to retrieve the ball to play on R1 advancing to third, R3 steps in her way, causing her throw to F5 to be late. R1 slides into third base under F5's tag.
Ruling - DEAD BALL and INTERFERENCE is called. R3's action is interference by a RETIRED RUNNER; because she has already legally scored, she personally is not eligible to be called out for interfering. When a retired runner interferes and, in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare the runner closest to home (in this case, R1) OUT (8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51)
QUICKIE QUIZ:
When may a team use the Last Completed at Bat as a Courtesy Runner?
QUICKIE QUIZ ANSWER:
If, AND ONLY IF, no eligible (i.e., unused) substitute is available, then (AND ONLY THEN) the LCAB may serve as a courtesy runner
Example:
Team A has two relief pitchers on the bench when a CR situation occurs. If they have not been in the game previously in any other capacity, by rule THEY must be used as the CR's, not the LCAB (8.3.B, p 42)
I missed your reply all those months ago, so I wanted to follow up.
I wasn't clear in my question. I was referring to a swing and miss (or called strike) and not a foul tip. What I meant: If the third strike, not tipped, hits the glove, chest protector (or helmet, whatever), then back into the glove before touching the ground, do we have D3K since it wasn't caught "cleanly"? Similarly, what if, for whatever reason, it doesn't hit the glove first but hits another part of the catcher but still ends up in the glove before hitting the dirt?
USSSA Rules:
336. There is a runner on first base with less than two outs when the batter hits a pitched ball in the air to F8, who catches the fly ball and throws toward first in an attempt to retire R1 who fails to tag-up properly. The ball is overthrown into dead ball territory. R1 proceeds to her awarded bases without retouching first base. The defense then properly appeals that R1 did not legally tag-up.
Ruling - DEAD BALL at the time the ball goes into dead ball territory, but upon proper appeal at the conclusion of the play, R1 is declared OUT.
R1 is awarded two bases (second and third) from her position at the time of the throw, regardless of her direction (i.e, advancing or returning) at the time of that throw. However, bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases.
When the ball goes out of play and runners have been given the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities, the defense is entitled to make a dead ball appeal (or have the ball put in play and make a live ball appeal) on R1's infraction (8.14.C.3, p 48; 8.18.S, p 52; 9.3.A, p 54)
Comment -- in ALL codes, with one notable exception, overthrow awards are made based solely on runner position without regard to direction of the runner. However, USSSA SLOW PITCH uses a "one plus one rule" for runners who left early on a caught fly ball. It is important to know the rules for the game you are umpiring!
337. There are runners on first and third bases with one out. B4 hits a gapper, scoring R3. B4 misses first base on her way to second. R1 touches second and third but misses home plate. The defense properly appeals the missed bases.
Ruling - regardless of which appeal is made first, BOTH runners are declared OUT for the second and third outs, but the sequencing of the appeals matters
If the defense appeals R1's violation first and then B4's, R3's run DOES NOT COUNT. Runs do not count when the third out of the inning is a force-out
If the defense appeals B4's violation first and then R1's, R3's run COUNTS because the third out on R1 is not a force play; it is a TIME PLAY; runs count when scored by preceding runners before the third out is recorded (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 4.2.A & C, p 26)
338. B1 hits a deep fly ball toward the left field fence. In a), F7 places a foot on the temporary fence (which is still upright) while making the catch. In b), she leaps to make the catch and, in the process, knocks down the temporary fence. F7 lands on the fence (now lying on the ground), still controlling the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), this is a VALID CATCH and the batter is OUT. In a), LIVE BALL; a collapsible fence is considered in play This play is legal as long as the fielder is not standing on the fence while it is lying on the ground beyond its original plane. In b), LIVE BALL and a LEGAL catch, but the ball is DEAD when the fielder contacts the fence lying on the ground. As long as control is maintained by the fielder to establish a valid catch, the batter is OUT (3.CATCH.A.4, p 19; 3.CATCH.B.5 & 7, p 19)
Comment: in b), this is a "catch-and-carry" situation, and if there were runners on base, they would be awarded one base when the ball becomes dead (unless this was the third out)
339. Nasser is on first base with two outs when the coach substitutes for the next batter, Sadat. Nasser is put out trying to steal second base before the substitute, Mubarek, finishes her turn at bat. The coach decides to let Sadat bat at the start of the next inning.
Ruling - LEGAL, provided Sadat has not already used her re-entry. With Sadat's re-entry, Mubarek is again out of the lineup. Any player may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once, provided she occupies the same batting position whenever in the lineup (5.6, p 32)
340. With a runner on first base and no outs, B2 swings and misses the pitch for strike three. As B2 steps across home plate to return to the first base dugout and R1 is returning to first base, F2's return throw to F1 hits B2 in the helmet. The ball ricochets to the backstop and settles there.
Ruling - DEAD BALL, but there is NO VIOLATION. In order to rule interference in this situation, the actions of the retired player must, in the umpire's judgment, prevent another player from being put out (8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51; 10.1.E. p 56)
Comment: in this situation, if F2 had been attempting to pick-off R1 at first base or attempting a throw-out on a steal, INT by B2 would be penalized as retired runner interference
QUICKIE QUIZ:
If a pitcher "starts back" with her non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate, can she step back further during the pitch?
YES -- in USSSA, NFHS and USA SB.
Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch (when the hands separate)
As long as the step back STARTS before separation, it is legal
(6.1.E.2, p 34)
336. There is a runner on first base with less than two outs when the batter hits a pitched ball in the air to F8, who catches the fly ball and throws toward first in an attempt to retire R1 who fails to tag-up properly. The ball is overthrown into dead ball territory. R1 proceeds to her awarded bases without retouching first base. The defense then properly appeals that R1 did not legally tag-up.
Ruling - DEAD BALL at the time the ball goes into dead ball territory, but upon proper appeal at the conclusion of the play, R1 is declared OUT.
R1 is awarded two bases (second and third) from her position at the time of the throw, regardless of her direction (i.e, advancing or returning) at the time of that throw. However, bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases.
When the ball goes out of play and runners have been given the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities, the defense is entitled to make a dead ball appeal (or have the ball put in play and make a live ball appeal) on R1's infraction (8.14.C.3, p 48; 8.18.S, p 52; 9.3.A, p 54)
Comment -- in ALL codes, with one notable exception, overthrow awards are made based solely on runner position without regard to direction of the runner. However, USSSA SLOW PITCH uses a "one plus one rule" for runners who left early on a caught fly ball. It is important to know the rules for the game you are umpiring!
337. There are runners on first and third bases with one out. B4 hits a gapper, scoring R3. B4 misses first base on her way to second. R1 touches second and third but misses home plate. The defense properly appeals the missed bases.
Ruling - regardless of which appeal is made first, BOTH runners are declared OUT for the second and third outs, but the sequencing of the appeals matters
If the defense appeals R1's violation first and then B4's, R3's run DOES NOT COUNT. Runs do not count when the third out of the inning is a force-out
If the defense appeals B4's violation first and then R1's, R3's run COUNTS because the third out on R1 is not a force play; it is a TIME PLAY; runs count when scored by preceding runners before the third out is recorded (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 4.2.A & C, p 26)
338. B1 hits a deep fly ball toward the left field fence. In a), F7 places a foot on the temporary fence (which is still upright) while making the catch. In b), she leaps to make the catch and, in the process, knocks down the temporary fence. F7 lands on the fence (now lying on the ground), still controlling the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), this is a VALID CATCH and the batter is OUT. In a), LIVE BALL; a collapsible fence is considered in play This play is legal as long as the fielder is not standing on the fence while it is lying on the ground beyond its original plane. In b), LIVE BALL and a LEGAL catch, but the ball is DEAD when the fielder contacts the fence lying on the ground. As long as control is maintained by the fielder to establish a valid catch, the batter is OUT (3.CATCH.A.4, p 19; 3.CATCH.B.5 & 7, p 19)
Comment: in b), this is a "catch-and-carry" situation, and if there were runners on base, they would be awarded one base when the ball becomes dead (unless this was the third out)
339. Nasser is on first base with two outs when the coach substitutes for the next batter, Sadat. Nasser is put out trying to steal second base before the substitute, Mubarek, finishes her turn at bat. The coach decides to let Sadat bat at the start of the next inning.
Ruling - LEGAL, provided Sadat has not already used her re-entry. With Sadat's re-entry, Mubarek is again out of the lineup. Any player may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once, provided she occupies the same batting position whenever in the lineup (5.6, p 32)
340. With a runner on first base and no outs, B2 swings and misses the pitch for strike three. As B2 steps across home plate to return to the first base dugout and R1 is returning to first base, F2's return throw to F1 hits B2 in the helmet. The ball ricochets to the backstop and settles there.
Ruling - DEAD BALL, but there is NO VIOLATION. In order to rule interference in this situation, the actions of the retired player must, in the umpire's judgment, prevent another player from being put out (8.18.H NOTE 2, p 51; 10.1.E. p 56)
Comment: in this situation, if F2 had been attempting to pick-off R1 at first base or attempting a throw-out on a steal, INT by B2 would be penalized as retired runner interference
QUICKIE QUIZ:
If a pitcher "starts back" with her non-pivot foot behind the pitching plate, can she step back further during the pitch?
YES -- in USSSA, NFHS and USA SB.
Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch (when the hands separate)
As long as the step back STARTS before separation, it is legal
(6.1.E.2, p 34)
USSSA Rules:
341. B1 hits a pitched ball in the air to the outfield that hits the top of the outfield fence in fair territory and ricochets to F7 or F9, who deflects the ball over the fence in a) fair territory, or b) foul territory.
Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL and B1 is awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. FAIR/FOUL status is established when the ball touches the top of the fence (in this case, in FAIR territory); however, at that point, because it ricochets back to the fielder (rather than over the fence), it is NO LONGER IN FLIGHT. Each runner, including the batter-runner, is awarded two bases if a fair-batted ball no longer in flight bounces over or goes through a fence (3.FAIR BALL.F, p 21; 3.IN FLIGHT, P 22; 8.14.C.1, p 47)
342. There is a runner on third base with no outs and a two ball, one strike count. B2 hits the next pitched ball high above the foul line about 15 feet from third base. R3 unintentionally interferes with F5's attempt to make a play on the foul fly ball.
Ruling - DEAD BALL; R3 is declared OUT for INTERFERENCE. A runner is out when she hinders a fielder's initial play on a batted ball.This is a FOUL BALL and the batter is charged with a strike (if she does not already have two strikes). The batter is not awarded first base on this interference because the batted ball is NOT FAIR; the count resumes at two balls and two strikes (8.18.G, p 51)
Note 1: It is not possible to get two outs in this situation, except as in Note 2 below. This is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA/NFHS vs. USA SOFTBALL:
USSSA/NFHS - only the runner who interferes is OUT, batter is charged with a FOUL BALL
USA SB - BOTH the runner and batter are OUT
Note 2: if the batter already had two strikes and this play was an attempted bunt, the batter is also declared out for bunting foul on strike three. If there are already two outs, the out on the batter takes precedence over the out of the interfering runner in establishing batting order for the next inning
343. There is a play on a runner at third base. The ball is poorly thrown and makes contact with the offensive coach, who is a) in, or b) out of the coach's box when hit with the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and NO VIOLATION unless the coach intentionally interferes. In a poorly thrown ball situation, the coach cannot deliberately move to make contact with the ball and interfere with the play (8.18.Z, p 53)
344. The game is tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs. B6 receives a walk and advances to and touches first base. R3 also advances and touches home plate, scoring the winning run. R1 and R2 do not advance to their respective bases, but rather join in the celebration at home plate. The defense appeals that either runner did not touch their awarded base.
Ruling - VALID APPEAL; the violating runner is called OUT. Since this is a FORCE OUT, NO RUN SCORES. On the apparent last play of a game, appeals must be made before the umpires leave the field of play. Runs scored do not count when the third out of an inning is a FORCE OUT (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 9.4.C, p 55)
Note; this is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA FASTPITCH AND USSSA BASEBALL:
USSSA FASTPITCH: all runners must advance to their awarded base, or be liable for appeal
USSSA BASEBALL (based on MLB): only the scoring runner AND the batter-runner must advance to the awarded base
345. With two outs and a runner on third base, B4 has a one ball, two strike count. F1 pitches and the ball touches the ground in front of the plate. B4 swings and misses and F2 catches the ball on the first bounce. As F2 holds the ball and the fielders run off the field to the dugout, B3 runs to first base. R3 crosses over, but misses, home plate and goes into the dugout.
Ruling - LIVE BALL and B4 is SAFE at first base; R3's RUN SCORES, but she is liable for appeal for her baserunning violation. Although F2 did not DROP the third strike, she did not catch the ball IN FLIGHT. B4 became a batter-runner on the uncaught third strike, and is legally entitled to attempt to advance to first base. R3's run scores when she crosses home plate, unless the defense properly appeals (3.IN FLIGHT, p 22; 8.4.B, p 43; 9.1.A, p54)
341. B1 hits a pitched ball in the air to the outfield that hits the top of the outfield fence in fair territory and ricochets to F7 or F9, who deflects the ball over the fence in a) fair territory, or b) foul territory.
Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL and B1 is awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. FAIR/FOUL status is established when the ball touches the top of the fence (in this case, in FAIR territory); however, at that point, because it ricochets back to the fielder (rather than over the fence), it is NO LONGER IN FLIGHT. Each runner, including the batter-runner, is awarded two bases if a fair-batted ball no longer in flight bounces over or goes through a fence (3.FAIR BALL.F, p 21; 3.IN FLIGHT, P 22; 8.14.C.1, p 47)
342. There is a runner on third base with no outs and a two ball, one strike count. B2 hits the next pitched ball high above the foul line about 15 feet from third base. R3 unintentionally interferes with F5's attempt to make a play on the foul fly ball.
Ruling - DEAD BALL; R3 is declared OUT for INTERFERENCE. A runner is out when she hinders a fielder's initial play on a batted ball.This is a FOUL BALL and the batter is charged with a strike (if she does not already have two strikes). The batter is not awarded first base on this interference because the batted ball is NOT FAIR; the count resumes at two balls and two strikes (8.18.G, p 51)
Note 1: It is not possible to get two outs in this situation, except as in Note 2 below. This is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA/NFHS vs. USA SOFTBALL:
USSSA/NFHS - only the runner who interferes is OUT, batter is charged with a FOUL BALL
USA SB - BOTH the runner and batter are OUT
Note 2: if the batter already had two strikes and this play was an attempted bunt, the batter is also declared out for bunting foul on strike three. If there are already two outs, the out on the batter takes precedence over the out of the interfering runner in establishing batting order for the next inning
343. There is a play on a runner at third base. The ball is poorly thrown and makes contact with the offensive coach, who is a) in, or b) out of the coach's box when hit with the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and NO VIOLATION unless the coach intentionally interferes. In a poorly thrown ball situation, the coach cannot deliberately move to make contact with the ball and interfere with the play (8.18.Z, p 53)
344. The game is tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs. B6 receives a walk and advances to and touches first base. R3 also advances and touches home plate, scoring the winning run. R1 and R2 do not advance to their respective bases, but rather join in the celebration at home plate. The defense appeals that either runner did not touch their awarded base.
Ruling - VALID APPEAL; the violating runner is called OUT. Since this is a FORCE OUT, NO RUN SCORES. On the apparent last play of a game, appeals must be made before the umpires leave the field of play. Runs scored do not count when the third out of an inning is a FORCE OUT (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 9.4.C, p 55)
Note; this is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA FASTPITCH AND USSSA BASEBALL:
USSSA FASTPITCH: all runners must advance to their awarded base, or be liable for appeal
USSSA BASEBALL (based on MLB): only the scoring runner AND the batter-runner must advance to the awarded base
345. With two outs and a runner on third base, B4 has a one ball, two strike count. F1 pitches and the ball touches the ground in front of the plate. B4 swings and misses and F2 catches the ball on the first bounce. As F2 holds the ball and the fielders run off the field to the dugout, B3 runs to first base. R3 crosses over, but misses, home plate and goes into the dugout.
Ruling - LIVE BALL and B4 is SAFE at first base; R3's RUN SCORES, but she is liable for appeal for her baserunning violation. Although F2 did not DROP the third strike, she did not catch the ball IN FLIGHT. B4 became a batter-runner on the uncaught third strike, and is legally entitled to attempt to advance to first base. R3's run scores when she crosses home plate, unless the defense properly appeals (3.IN FLIGHT, p 22; 8.4.B, p 43; 9.1.A, p54)
QUICKIE QUIZ:
How many warmup pitches does the pitcher get in USSSA Fastpitch?
At the beginning of an inning or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, ONE MINUTE may be used to deliver NOT MORE THAN FIVE PRACTICE PITCHES (or throws) to the catcher or some other teammate
Umpires may extend this due to a player injury, administrative duties, weather, injuries, etc
341. B1 hits a pitched ball in the air to the outfield that hits the top of the outfield fence in fair territory and ricochets to F7 or F9, who deflects the ball over the fence in a) fair territory, or b) foul territory.
Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL and B1 is awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. FAIR/FOUL status is established when the ball touches the top of the fence (in this case, in FAIR territory); however, at that point, because it ricochets back to the fielder (rather than over the fence), it is NO LONGER IN FLIGHT. Each runner, including the batter-runner, is awarded two bases if a fair-batted ball no longer in flight bounces over or goes through a fence (3.FAIR BALL.F, p 21; 3.IN FLIGHT, P 22; 8.14.C.1, p 47)
342. There is a runner on third base with no outs and a two ball, one strike count. B2 hits the next pitched ball high above the foul line about 15 feet from third base. R3 unintentionally interferes with F5's attempt to make a play on the foul fly ball.
Ruling - DEAD BALL; R3 is declared OUT for INTERFERENCE. A runner is out when she hinders a fielder's initial play on a batted ball.This is a FOUL BALL and the batter is charged with a strike (if she does not already have two strikes). The batter is not awarded first base on this interference because the batted ball is NOT FAIR; the count resumes at two balls and two strikes (8.18.G, p 51)
Note 1: It is not possible to get two outs in this situation, except as in Note 2 below. This is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA/NFHS vs. USA SOFTBALL:
USSSA/NFHS - only the runner who interferes is OUT, batter is charged with a FOUL BALL
USA SB - BOTH the runner and batter are OUT
Note 2: if the batter already had two strikes and this play was an attempted bunt, the batter is also declared out for bunting foul on strike three. If there are already two outs, the out on the batter takes precedence over the out of the interfering runner in establishing batting order for the next inning
343. There is a play on a runner at third base. The ball is poorly thrown and makes contact with the offensive coach, who is a) in, or b) out of the coach's box when hit with the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and NO VIOLATION unless the coach intentionally interferes. In a poorly thrown ball situation, the coach cannot deliberately move to make contact with the ball and interfere with the play (8.18.Z, p 53)
344. The game is tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs. B6 receives a walk and advances to and touches first base. R3 also advances and touches home plate, scoring the winning run. R1 and R2 do not advance to their respective bases, but rather join in the celebration at home plate. The defense appeals that either runner did not touch their awarded base.
Ruling - VALID APPEAL; the violating runner is called OUT. Since this is a FORCE OUT, NO RUN SCORES. On the apparent last play of a game, appeals must be made before the umpires leave the field of play. Runs scored do not count when the third out of an inning is a FORCE OUT (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 9.4.C, p 55)
Note; this is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA FASTPITCH AND USSSA BASEBALL:
USSSA FASTPITCH: all runners must advance to their awarded base, or be liable for appeal
USSSA BASEBALL (based on MLB): only the scoring runner AND the batter-runner must advance to the awarded base
345. With two outs and a runner on third base, B4 has a one ball, two strike count. F1 pitches and the ball touches the ground in front of the plate. B4 swings and misses and F2 catches the ball on the first bounce. As F2 holds the ball and the fielders run off the field to the dugout, B3 runs to first base. R3 crosses over, but misses, home plate and goes into the dugout.
Ruling - LIVE BALL and B4 is SAFE at first base; R3's RUN SCORES, but she is liable for appeal for her baserunning violation. Although F2 did not DROP the third strike, she did not catch the ball IN FLIGHT. B4 became a batter-runner on the uncaught third strike, and is legally entitled to attempt to advance to first base. R3's run scores when she crosses home plate, unless the defense properly appeals (3.IN FLIGHT, p 22; 8.4.B, p 43; 9.1.A, p54)
341. B1 hits a pitched ball in the air to the outfield that hits the top of the outfield fence in fair territory and ricochets to F7 or F9, who deflects the ball over the fence in a) fair territory, or b) foul territory.
Ruling - in a) and b), DEAD BALL and B1 is awarded two bases from the time of the pitch. FAIR/FOUL status is established when the ball touches the top of the fence (in this case, in FAIR territory); however, at that point, because it ricochets back to the fielder (rather than over the fence), it is NO LONGER IN FLIGHT. Each runner, including the batter-runner, is awarded two bases if a fair-batted ball no longer in flight bounces over or goes through a fence (3.FAIR BALL.F, p 21; 3.IN FLIGHT, P 22; 8.14.C.1, p 47)
342. There is a runner on third base with no outs and a two ball, one strike count. B2 hits the next pitched ball high above the foul line about 15 feet from third base. R3 unintentionally interferes with F5's attempt to make a play on the foul fly ball.
Ruling - DEAD BALL; R3 is declared OUT for INTERFERENCE. A runner is out when she hinders a fielder's initial play on a batted ball.This is a FOUL BALL and the batter is charged with a strike (if she does not already have two strikes). The batter is not awarded first base on this interference because the batted ball is NOT FAIR; the count resumes at two balls and two strikes (8.18.G, p 51)
Note 1: It is not possible to get two outs in this situation, except as in Note 2 below. This is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA/NFHS vs. USA SOFTBALL:
USSSA/NFHS - only the runner who interferes is OUT, batter is charged with a FOUL BALL
USA SB - BOTH the runner and batter are OUT
Note 2: if the batter already had two strikes and this play was an attempted bunt, the batter is also declared out for bunting foul on strike three. If there are already two outs, the out on the batter takes precedence over the out of the interfering runner in establishing batting order for the next inning
343. There is a play on a runner at third base. The ball is poorly thrown and makes contact with the offensive coach, who is a) in, or b) out of the coach's box when hit with the ball.
Ruling - in a) and b), LIVE BALL and NO VIOLATION unless the coach intentionally interferes. In a poorly thrown ball situation, the coach cannot deliberately move to make contact with the ball and interfere with the play (8.18.Z, p 53)
344. The game is tied in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs. B6 receives a walk and advances to and touches first base. R3 also advances and touches home plate, scoring the winning run. R1 and R2 do not advance to their respective bases, but rather join in the celebration at home plate. The defense appeals that either runner did not touch their awarded base.
Ruling - VALID APPEAL; the violating runner is called OUT. Since this is a FORCE OUT, NO RUN SCORES. On the apparent last play of a game, appeals must be made before the umpires leave the field of play. Runs scored do not count when the third out of an inning is a FORCE OUT (3.FORCE PLAY, p 21; 9.4.C, p 55)
Note; this is a RULES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USSSA FASTPITCH AND USSSA BASEBALL:
USSSA FASTPITCH: all runners must advance to their awarded base, or be liable for appeal
USSSA BASEBALL (based on MLB): only the scoring runner AND the batter-runner must advance to the awarded base
345. With two outs and a runner on third base, B4 has a one ball, two strike count. F1 pitches and the ball touches the ground in front of the plate. B4 swings and misses and F2 catches the ball on the first bounce. As F2 holds the ball and the fielders run off the field to the dugout, B3 runs to first base. R3 crosses over, but misses, home plate and goes into the dugout.
Ruling - LIVE BALL and B4 is SAFE at first base; R3's RUN SCORES, but she is liable for appeal for her baserunning violation. Although F2 did not DROP the third strike, she did not catch the ball IN FLIGHT. B4 became a batter-runner on the uncaught third strike, and is legally entitled to attempt to advance to first base. R3's run scores when she crosses home plate, unless the defense properly appeals (3.IN FLIGHT, p 22; 8.4.B, p 43; 9.1.A, p54)
QUICKIE QUIZ:
How many warmup pitches does the pitcher get in USSSA Fastpitch?
At the beginning of an inning or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, ONE MINUTE may be used to deliver NOT MORE THAN FIVE PRACTICE PITCHES (or throws) to the catcher or some other teammate
Umpires may extend this due to a player injury, administrative duties, weather, injuries, etc
