How to score a runner leaving early

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Jun 6, 2016
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Chicago
I'm sure this has been asked a hundred times, but I failed to find an answer in search.

Runner (intentionally, if that matters, but I doubt it does) leaves a base early and is called out. Who gets the put out? I've seen some say the closest fielder, and others say the pitcher because she is closest to the ball since she's still holding it.

Also, who gets the put out if a batter is called out for throwing her bat?
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
I guess this is a benefit of using one of the apps for scoring. iScore has "left base early" as an option.
 
Jul 3, 2013
438
43
USA rules say fielder closest to the ball on a runner leaving early and interference. I'm guessing the thrown bat is interference.
So, 1. Pitcher
2. Catcher.

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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Also, who gets the put out if a batter is called out for throwing her bat?

This is NOT an out. Umpires who call this an out should be retrained or at least read a rule book once in a awhile. This is one of the known rule myths.

If a player carelessly throws a bat, correct procedure (USSSA, NFHS and most codes) is:
- first occurrence: Team warning.
- Subsequent violation player is restricted to the bench; (coach shall be ejected USSSA)

If the bat is thrown intentionally at someone it is a straight ejection

NFHS Softball Case Book:
3.6.16 SITUATION B:

After hitting a line drive toward F5, B1 throws her bat and it strikes the catcher or umpire. The act was judged to be (a) intentional, or (b) unintentional.

RULING: In (a), the offender will be ejected from the game. If B1's fair hit ball is a base hit, B1 will be replaced with a substitute runner. In (b), the umpire will warn the team for a carelessly thrown bat, and if the act is repeated, any subsequent offenders on that team will be restricted to the bench/dugout for the duration of the game. (3-6-3)
 
Last edited:
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Simply throwing the bat is not an out, but, if the batter throws the bat and it interferes with the defenses ability to field the batted ball then it is an out.
 
Jul 29, 2012
102
28
NC
Simply throwing the bat is not an out, but, if the batter throws the bat and it interferes with the defenses ability to field the batted ball then it is an out.

Probably a local Rec rule. Ours had that rule in the younger ages. We had a girl who was called out many time doing it.


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Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
Thanks. We actually had an umpire call a batter on the other team out for throwing the bat (it nailed him good), but then the base umpire talked to him and they brought her back out to hit and gave a warning. I suppose that's why.

So if a player throws a bat after the warning and is restricted to the bench, does that mean the team needs to sub for her mid at bat and the new batter assumes the count? What if the player throws the bat on a ball in play. Is it an immediate dead ball? Does she get to finish out the play before being sent to the bench?
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
So if a player throws a bat after the warning and is restricted to the bench, does that mean the team needs to sub for her mid at bat and the new batter assumes the count?

Yes

What if the player throws the bat on a ball in play. Is it an immediate dead ball? Does she get to finish out the play before being sent to the bench?

It is not a dead ball. Play continues. Yes she gets to finish the play. The ruling from the case book play above makes that clear in the scenario where the ball is a 'hit' and she has to be replaced by a substitute runner.

When you don't have a sub that is going to be bad news. It is going to be an out not because of the thrown bat, but because you don't have anyone to sub in for the restricted player. I have never had to make this call.
 
Apr 24, 2017
203
28
Georgia
It is not a dead ball. Play continues. Yes she gets to finish the play. The ruling from the case book play above makes that clear in the scenario where the ball is a 'hit' and she has to be replaced by a substitute runner.

Okay, wait a minute. I am confused here, and I am sorry for getting a little off topic. If the batter throws the bat ON a ball in play (i.e. already been hit) this is double contact and the batter is out, correct? My DD has had this called on her when putting a bunt down.
 

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