SITUATIONAL TRIVIA

2 outs base-runner gets hit by a batted ball that has not been touched by a fielder. How would you score this, and what rule are you applying?

 

I'm fairly certain that the fielder nearest the runner hit by the batted ball is credited with a put-out. I'd have to dig out a rule book for the rule number.

 

It depends on if the ball has passed the nearest fielder?

 

It doesn't matter if the ball has passed a fileder, by virtue of the ball hitting the runner it took away the opportunity for the fielder to make a play. ( I think. )

 

7.09[size=-1] It is interference by a batter or a runner when-[/size]

(m) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpire shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted ball. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the fielder, and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the runner deliberately and intentionally kicks such a batted ball on which the infielder has missed a play, then the runner shall be called out for interference.

 

From the Official Baseball Rules as published by the Sporting News-

Rule 10.10,
(b) Other automatic putouts shall be credited as follows (Credit no assist on these plays except as specified):
2- When a runner is called out for being touched by a fair ball (including an infield fly), credit the putout to the fielder nearest the ball.

Rule 7.09 doesn't explain the scoring of this play, only that the runner is out by interference.

The runner is out by interference but for recording this in the scorebook, the putout goes to the fielder nearest the ball. Someone has to be credited with the putout regardless of the situation.

 

Here's another situation for you. How many ways can a runner score from third base with less than two outs? When you put this on paper in front of you, the importance of having a runner at third is clear.

 

Trivia Pursuit

:229031_ha 1) In the first instance, the runner is out, the fielder closest to him is credited with the putout and the batter is credited with a base hit. 2) In the 2nd scenario, i would always prefer to have a runner at third in scoring position than at 2nd, but not at the expense of trying to steal third with 0 outs or 2 outs, since the runner is already in scoring position for most "normal instances". Furthermore, the chance of being throw out stealing third is 3 x greater because of the lesser distance of the throw (only 2x greater with a right handed batter who blocks the sightline and throwing area of the catcher. Running into the 1st or 3rd out of an inning at third base is still one of Professional Baseballs "No-Nos" and it is with good reason. I forgot to add in the first senario that no baserunners can advance on this play and they must return to the base they occupied prior to the event.