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Dead Ball - Hit by Ball

2016/7/15 17:50:41


Question
The ball was in Foul territory, or so it seemed.  It was a line drive right up the line.  The baserunner was standing mostly in foul with his foot on the bag, so I just assumed that the ball was foul when it hit him.

The ball then bounced to the third baseman who was behind the ball when it struck the baserunner.

Also, this is ASA 6-12 ft.  Thanks.
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Followup To

Question -
In a recent game I was on First base with another runner on Third base.

The batter hit a ball down the Third base line hitting the runner on Third.  The runner on Third was standing on the base when hit on the foul territory side of the bag.  The ball proceeded to bounce into fair territory, to the third baseman, who throw the ball to second with the umpire calling me out on a force.

I protested that once the ball hit the runner it was a dead ball and that I should have either been awarded 2nd base (with the batter getting 1st) or the ball ruled dead with the batter still batting (he had no strikes at the time).  The umpire claimed that since he didn't call a dead ball that I was out, and the batter was safe at 1st.

What is the correct ruling for this situation?

Answer -
Hi Todd,

I need more information please, you state...when hit on the foul territory side of the bag.

We've got a foot on the bag, body parts somewhere, where was the ball when it struck the runner in fair territory or foul territory?

Mark

Answer
Hi Todd,

If the ball was in foul territory when it struck the runner's part it is a foul ball, simple as that no matter where it lands.

If the ball was in fair territory when it struck the runner Unless they intentionally interfered with the batted ball he is not out because he is legally occupying the base.

Now what happens after that is....
If the closest defensive player is in front of the base the runner is in contact with, the ball is live. (This is more common in fast pitch than slow pitch)

If the closest defensive player is behind the base the runner is in contact with, the ball is dead. (More common in slow pitch)

If the ball is dead the batter is awarded a base hit (1st base) and only runners that are forced are advanced.

Mark
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