running in fair territory?

**MTR** · 07-20-2012, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by jbooth

What you stated is correct for baseball and ASA softball, but in looking at USSSA Fastpitch rules, I noticed that it doesn't say anything about the fielder taking the throw. It simply says the batter-runner is out if he runs outside the 3 foot lane.

I haven't worked softball for quite awhile. Is there a casebook on USSSA that would clarify this?

Here is the USSSA rule 8-17-e

E. When he runs outside the three-foot running lane (last half of the distance
from home plate to first base) while the ball is being fielded or thrown to
first base.
EXCEPTION: This infraction is ignored if it is to avoid a fielder who is
attempting to field the batted ball or if the act does not interfere with a
fielder or a throw.

As loosely worded as the rule is, the interpretation from USSSA does note that the runner is out if they interfere with the throw while out the lane.

**jbooth** · 07-20-2012, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by MTR

As loosely worded as the rule is, the interpretation from USSSA does note that the runner is out if they interfere with the throw while out the lane.

The interpretation adds; "and interferes with a thrown ball", but it still says nothing about the fielder taking the throw, or the need for a quality throw.

From the manual;
Out for interference when;

Runs to First outside the three foot lane and interferes with a thrown ball
EFFECT: Dead ball; Batter/runner is out; all runners must return to last base
touched.

The wording above would cover interfering with the ball in-flight, and/or the fielder taking the throw.

The ump would have to judge that you can't have interfered with the throw, if the throw could not be played upon. (not quality.)

So, IMO all rule codes rule it the same way, but USSSA is not as clear.

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