Base runner hit by ball
2016/7/15 16:50:02
Question
We play ASA 8u coach pitch. We had a hit that went between 1st and 2nd just as we had a runner advancing to 2nd. The runner jumped over the ball and continues to run. The umpire claimed the ball hit her and she was out. The infielders were playing inside the base line. Is there a rule that if the ball passes any infielder other than the pitcher, it doesn't matter if the base runner is hit by the ball and play continues or is the runner still out? By the way this call ended the game and the runner claimed it never hit her. Thank you.
Answer
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for your question and Happy Mother's Day. Let's assume that the batted ball DID strike the runner. There was just one umpire, right? At the time he/she didn't have any other duties more important than watching the batted ball, so I assume they saw the play accurately. I would expect the runner to say that she wasn't hit by the batted ball! Anyway, I wish I knew whether or not another fielder could have made an out after the ball passed an infielder, because that piece of information is the key to the ruling.
ASA Rule 8-7-K, THE RUNNER IS OUT.
"When a runner is struck with a fair untouched batted ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes another infielder excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another fielder has an opportunity to make an out." The latter part applies to your play. Your umpire judged that another fielder had an opportunity to make an out after the batted ball passed an infielder.
FYI, ASA Rule 8-8-D, RUNNER IS NOT OUT.
"When a runner is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball that has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, and, in the umpire's judgment no other fielder had an opportunity to make an out."
Scott Kelly
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