Dead Ball Era

Question
Dear Mark,

I hoped to get through a season without having a rule disagreement with an umpire, but could only make if halfway.

The league is adult slow pitch softball played under ASA rules. The field ground rules are that on overthrows, anything from the post of the end of the backstop to the front of the bench and a straight line beyond is out of play.

The batter hits safely and rounds first base. The throw comes to the second baseman, who throws to first as the runner retreats to first base. The throw gets away from the first baseman and rolls toward the bench on the first base side. The pitcher backs up the play, retrieving the ball before it reaches the bench. The runner starts walking toward second (as directed by teammates). The pitcher runs up and tags the runner off the base. The umpire rules that the runner is safe, though is returned to first because it was a "dead ball." The dead ball call was not made until after the tag.

Thanks!

Ken Boos  

Answer
Hi Ken,

At least you made it halfway, keep working on it.

Based on your information,

the pitcher gained control of the ball before it went out of play---(live ball continues, umpire did not call dead ball)

The b-r started to 2nd based on his teammates direction, not the umpire and is tagged off base.

I have an out, if the ball was dead before the tag we should have awarded bases. I don't know how you can have anything else based on the rules.

Mark