Calling All Scorekeepers!!!

Scenario: R1 on 2nd base, 1 out. Batter hits a "smoking" ground ball about 10 feet to the SS side of 2nd base. R1 holds at 2nd base. SS initially bobbles the ground ball but regains control. Batter reaches 1st base safely but probably would have been out if the ball was fielded cleanly.

But here is where it gets interesting. The SS, after regaining control of the ball, fakes a throw to 1st base. R1 then takes off toward 3rd base and is a dead duck, out at 3rd base, 6-5. Batter/runner stays at 1st base.

Yes, this really happened.

How would you score the batter, an E6, FC, or a 1B? Since she didn't make the throw to 1st base how do we know if it was her intention all along to hold the ball, and the runner?

I gave the batter a FC.

 

....FC for the batter is generally what is called regardless of a bobble by the SS.

In HS my DD tried this play a couple of times, 2 or 3 times it worked, but when it didn't she got an error.

In college, DD made a play that was pretty nice, ie the scorekeeper thought that the ball was hit hard enough in a hole that the SS really couldn't catch, much less come up and throw the runner out. The official score was a basehit. My DD told me later that before the play, she had already decided to try to pull off the pickoff. Well it didn't work.
Even though my DD was involved, I would have called an error. And her coach chewed her butt.

I figure this play to be scored like this...if the SS gets an out, bobble or fake, its an FC.

Fishman

 

Did she fake the throw before or after the batter runner had reached 1st base?

If she was already at first when she faked the throw, it could be E-6 and then 6-5 put out.

 

Correct

An out was recorded and the hitter reached safely, no runner advanced as a result of the bobble. Fielder's Choice.

 

Is that the bottom line or...

How can it be a fielder's choice when: at the time the ball was hit, there was only on possible play - the throw to first. How can a "fake" throw create a fielders's choice situation?

In other words, wouldnt a fielders choice require two options such as a force at multiple locations or a break for home from 3rd on the hit?

...just trying to understand.

 

....good ? CMPal.
Lets say a routine grounder goes to the SS, and she fakes a throw, and the kid on 2nd does not bite. Thats an error on the SS to me. And no way should the batter be given a hit for the misplay of the SS.
What if a runner is on 3rd, and like we've all seen over and over, a ball is hit to the 3b, she fakes a throw to 1st, and tags out the kid biting on the throw at 3rd. Easy call because theres an out, batter gets a FC in the book.
Same scenario at 3rd, but this time the runner does not bite on the fake, should the batter be given a hit?

Now I'm gonna REALLY pick your brain, with respect! Lets say with the runner on 3rd and the kid at the plate bunts, and the 3b fakes a throw and gets the runner out at 3rd. How would you think the scorekeeper should score this play.

I respect your opinion, so bring the lumber on me pal.
Fishbuddy

 

I think the determining factor is after the bobble was there still a play at first. If not how is there a choice? If there was no play then to me its an E-6 and 6-5. Otherwise what would keep any fielder who bobbles from turning to the nearest occupied base and faking a throw as if this was the original intent, and not being charged with an error but instead a fielders choice.

I see the sense of calling it a fielders choice but in this situation I would vote for the error ruling.

 

Clue !!

Fielders Choice / E6-- did the bobble keep her from making the throw successful ?? She had a possible throw to get the runner but decided to fake, doesn't matter !!

 

From the ATEC Scoring Manual

I have to give the SS style points for heads-up thinking for turning chicken sh** into chicken salad.

Scorekeepers and umpires are required to remember a lot of manutia and in the middle of a game it is impossible to stop the game just to look up a scorekeeping guideline. Scorekeepers though have the affordability of being able to look up guidelines after the game and changing their scorekeeping records. If one of the girls comes up and asks me a question during an at bat, I usually lose track of the pitch count and have to ask someone what the last pitch was. Yep, I am getting older and the brain just doesn't multi-task like it used to. But I wouldn't give it up for the world.

Marlinfan1,

I am going to say......since the batter did not advance the lead runner, she cannot recieve a SAC (or SH in college). So FC for the batter and runner is out (5 unassisted or 5-6, assuming the SS was covering 3rd base).

 

(assuming a suicide bunt?)
See... this is where I think there is a fielder's choice. The bunt occurred and the R1 at third was off the bag heading home and the 3B had a real choice. This is hurting my head...