Scenario Rule-Baseball and/or softball

[idahosportsacademy]

There is one out; a runner at first base; the batter squares to bunt and pops it up towards first base about half-way between the first baseline and the pitcher's mound. The runner at first base tags and never leaves the base. The first baseman drops the ball, picks it up and throws to first base and touches the base while the runner is still tagging first. What is the ruling on the field? If the first base (probably the 2nd baseman) catches the ball, the batter is out. What is the ruling for the runner that stayed tagged up? This is really a weird scenario, but not sure what the ruling would be.

 

[Gags]

Speculating (i.e. I didn’t look it up) - I think the batter is out due to the force. Which makes the runner safe.

Now if the fielder tagged the runner, then the base, it would have been a double play.


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[LtL]

If the drop was intentional, then this rule applies.

NFHS Softball

8-2 BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT
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ART. 10 ... An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, which can be caught with ordinary effort with first; first and second; first and third bases; or first, second and third bases occupied with fewer than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped.

PENALTY: (Art. 10) The ball is dead, and each runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an Intentionally dropped ball.

 

[The Man In Blue]

@LtL has my answer!

If it was truly NOT intentional, then ...

The way you describe it, I understood there was no tag on the runner, just the base. I have the batter-runner out on the force and R1 still safe at first base. Once the BR is out, R1 is no longer forced to vacate or advance.

 

[canyonjoe]

For the umpirer. Is there is distinction between intentionally dropping a ball and simply just letting it drop?

 

[The Man In Blue]

No ... letting it drop is intentional, simple or otherwise.

Not being able to play it or making a legitimate effort and dropping it are different than letting it drop though.

 

[jimcat]

I just read a similar question in a quiz for umpires. The trailing runner is out if both runners are on the same base according to its answer sheet if it is not In field high fly. Either way, the batter is out.

 

[Fury_Mike]

But are you saying if the defender tags the base runner first, and THEN steps on 1B for the force it’s a double play?

 

[The Man In Blue]

I just read a similar question in a quiz for umpires. The trailing runner is out if both runners are on the same base according to its answer sheet if it is not In field high fly. Either way, the batter is out.

My inclination is that is incorrect, but I will cover my back end by saying that interpretation may be specific to that rule set, so know your rule set. I'll also say I'm not sure if you are referring to this specific scenario, or any scenario when two runners end up on the same base.

Runners are never out for occupying the same base. One of them can be put out while occupying the same base though.

 

[The Man In Blue]

But are you saying if the defender tags the base runner first, and THEN steps on 1B for the force it’s a double play?

It could be.

Let's look at the NFHS rule @LtL posted above ...

ART. 10 ... An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, which can be caught with ordinary effort with first; first and second; first and third bases; or first, second and third bases occupied with fewer than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped.

In order to get a double play to stick:

• The fielder cannot intentionally drop the ball. ("Intentionally" is going to be in the umpire's judgment.)
• The umpire must judge that the ball could not have been caught with "ordinary effort".