Tagging a base on a force play

Question
We had a situation that almost occurred in a recent game that I would like a clarification on when you get a chance (please).

We play in a mens'D league so no one call will ever be life or death or too important to any one game.  However, I felt the response I got form the umpire on my question may be incorrect and wanted to follow up with you.



Situation:



Runners on 1st and second ?no outs.

Ball is grounded to the third baseman who falls and then crawls to third base and touches the base with the ball in his bare hand.  Umpire properly ruled out.  My question to him after the game is what he would of called had I kept the ball in my bare hand but tagged the base with my glove hand (without the ball in it).

He indicated he would then rule 搒afe?  I think this is incorrect, since I believe any contact with any part of the fielder抯 body in this situation would be a force out.



Can you clarify and rule on this?  Rule #?



Thank a bunch!





Lee Spelbrink


Answer
Hi Lee,

I love Men's D ball.  I've been privledged twice to be UIC of the D MI state championship, I've umpired the same tournamnent at least 3-4 times and in 2002 I was honored to be 1 of 4 umpires outside of FL assigned by the ASA to the D East National Championship.  D in my experience can be very good ball.

On to your question.....drum roll......you are correct in either situation on a force the runner would be out.

ie....Everybody's out at 1st with ball in the glove and the foot on the base, what's the difference in that and a ball in the hand and a glove in the other hand touching the base? Or a ball in the glove and and the other hand touching the base? Right, there is no difference!

I remember a ss in a tournament going for a dp who fell and actually rolled over the base. He rolled 2 or 3 times to get there. I don't know if the actually contacted it with his butt or back but same result...out!  Ok so you want the rule for next time, here you go

8-7-c the runner is out on a force play when the fielder contacts the base while holding the ball.  

Only 2 elements are necessary, possession of the ball and contact with the base.

Mark