running and more.

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have some questions. I appreciate you asnwering them.
1)If there's a runner on first and ball is hit to shortstop, and shortstop over throws at first base and ball goes into dugout. At the time the ball was over throw, the batter-runner did not reach first base. So runner originally at first gets third,a nd batter-runner gets 2nd right cause it's time of pitch since batter-runner didn't reach first base at the time ball went out of play?2)what if the batter-runner already reached first base by the time ball went out of play? Do you then place runners from time of throw then?
3)if the ball went into the stands, that would be the same as going into the dugout correct? as in terms of where to place runners.
4)if there's a runner on first and he's stealing, pitcher pitches it, hits off catcher's shin guard and goes into dugout, even if he was stealing runner only gets 2nd correct?
5) Last one, if there's a runner on second and he's stealing, and batter interefered with catcher, is the runner called out or the batter? if if's the batter, runner go back to second?

Sorry so many questions. I appreciate you answering them. ThanksHeather"

ANSWER: Heather,

There are a lot of questions, but that's no problem. Overall, you have a good knowledge of the rules, which will make this easier.

1) You're correct... sorta. The base awards are correct, but it's determined if EVERY runner has reached their next base, not just the batter-runner. I should also point out that this is only true for the FIRST play by an infielder. If it had been the second (or higher) play by the infielder, it would be two bases from when the ball was thrown.

2) As mentioned, it would depend on whether or not R1 (runner originally on first) had touched second. If so, you would place them at time of throw.

3) Going into the stands is the same as the dugout -- both are in dead ball territory.

4) That is correct. The award is given by time of pitch.

5) In this play, the batter is called out for interference and all runners return to the base occupied at the time of pitch. The rule is slightly different if the runner is attempting to steal home -- I'll answer it by follow-up if you'd like me to.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks alot. and can you answer the number 5 question if the runner was attempting to steal home and the batter interfered. who would be out.

Answer
Certainly.

If a runner is stealing home and the batter interferes with the play, who is out is determined by the number of outs currently in the inning. If there are less than two outs, the runner advancing to home is out. With two outs, the batter is out.