Two ASA questions

Question
Hi Mark!

First of all, thanks for all the work you do here - your insights are invaluable.

I have two questions...

1 out, runner on 1st base.  Batter hits a deep fly ball to right-center.  The runner, thinking there was 2 outs, takes off in a sprint around the bases.  The ball was caught by the outfielder who then fired the ball to 1st base.  The runner, who at this point had figured he would be easily out, stopped running and was standing between 2nd and 3rd base.  The throw from the outfielder sailed over the 1st baseman out of play.  Where does the runner now go?

Next question - what is the ruling on a hit ball that touches the dropped bat?

Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Jayce,

Many, many players don't understand this particular play and would certainly try to argue it BUT....

The runner would be awarded home.....but must go back and touch 1st or they would be called out on an appeal.

Here's how you get there, POE 36 Runners are always awarded 2 bases on overthrows which go out of play....Regardless of who made the throw 2 bases are awarded from the last base touched when the ball left the hand.

Even if he was heading back to 1st and was between 2nd and 1st when the ball went out of play but was between 2nd and 3rd when the outfielder threw the ball he would still be awarded home

8-5-g When the ball is live and overthrown... All runners shall be awarded 2 bases....Runners may return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon....When a ball becomes dead, runners may return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon if they have advanced, touched  and are a base beyond ...the base left too soon.  Runners must be given the opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities.

Next answer
If the bat is out of the batter's hands (dropped or thrown) and it (the bat) hits the ball in fair territory the ball is dead and the batter is out

If the ball hits the bat on the ground the batter is not out.  If the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory it is live.  If it (the ball) stops or is touched (by a defensive player) in fair territory it is fair.  If it touches the bat in fair territory and then rolls foul and stops (or is touched by a defensive player) it is a foul ball.  If the ball rolls against the bat in foul teritory it is a foul ball regardless.

Mark