What about the runner that was hit?
Question
Below, you answered a question regarding runner on 3rd being hit while in contact with 3rd base. So, batter/runner is awarded 1st base, but what about the runner that was hit in fair territory? Is she out? If not, then perhaps we should instruct our runners to stand like statues on bases, take a hit (provided it is not hit too hard) so that the offensive team has another runner on base? Also, is this ruling the same for runners occupying 1st or 2nd?
Expert: Richard J. Eddings
Date: 6/8/2006
Subject: ASA rules
Question
Runner being hit by a batted ball while still on base. is he out or safe?
Get the answer below
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Answer
Thanks for the question!
If the ball hit the runner and at the point of contact, it is a fair ball (over fair territory), a dead ball should be declared. The batter is awarded first base. Runners currently on base move only if they are pushed by the batter going to first. In the scorebook, the batter is scored a fielder's choice. If the ball is foul when it contacts the runner on base, it is a foul ball.
I hope this helps answer your question, if not please reply.
Answer
Nothing happens to the runner that is hit with a fair ball while in contact with a base. As long as the runner is in contact with a base, no matter which base it is, a dead ball is declared, the batter is awarded first base, it's scored a fielder's choice, and the runner(s) only move if they are pushed by the batter going to first base.
If you want your runner to get hit with balls traveling off the bat at 100mph+ please feel free to do so. Me personally, I'll be jumping off the bag. I find it's better to get a double down the line than to have my runner stand on the bag, get pegged, and keep me to a single. Coaching strategies that endanger their players also tend to get the lawyers involved.
Good luck!
Hit and run,bunt and run
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