Much confusion exists regarding the pro=
per
award of bases after a ball enters dead ball territory.
The most common myth is the statement
"he gets 1 plus 1." This is not correct. Rule 7.05 covers
award of bases and an umpire must know all the details of this rule. Rule
7.05(g) is the focus of this document.
The basic thing to remember is:
When the p=
itcher
throws the ball into dead ball territory while he is in contact with the
rubber, the runners are awarded one base. If he is not in contact with the
rubber he is a fielder. When any fielder throw=
s the
ball into dead ball territory, the runners are awarded two bases.
The complicated part of this rule is de=
ciding
from what position the two bases are awarded. There are several exceptions =
that
can affect the award. I will try to simplify making the decision.
If the throw was the first play by an
infielder, the award is two bases from where the runners were at the
If the throw was the second play by an
infielder, or any play by an outfielder, the award is two bases from the ti=
me
the throw left the fielder's hand. The moment when the ball enters dead ball
territory has no effect on the determination of the placement of the runner=
s.
The placement is from where the runners were at the time of the pitch or
the time the throw left the thrower's hand depending on whether the =
play
was the first play by an infielder or some other play.
A key thought to remember is:
"first play in infield =3D time of pitch.=
Second
play or outfield =3D time of release." The award is always =
two
bases. The only decision is; from where?
EXCEPTIONS:
If ALL runners including =
the
batter runner have advanced one base before the first play by an
infielder, the award is from time of release. The key word is ALL=
.
Example: Runner on second. A high pop-up is hit to the shortstop. The runner
holds. The shortstop drops the ball, then throws=
to
first attempting to get the batter who has already rounded the base before =
the
release of the throw, and the ball enters dead ball territory. This was the
first play by an infielder which means the award is from time of pitch. The
exception states that ALL runners must advance a base before the tim=
e of
release award is used. Because the runner at second held his base, the awar=
d is
from time of pitch.
A play for purposes of this rule=
is a
legitimate attempt to retire a runner. A throw to a base, an attempted tag =
or
attempting to touch a base for a force out are plays. A fake throw or field=
ing
a batted ball are not.
PLAY:
Runner on first. Ground ball to SS. T=
he throw
to second is too late and R1 is safe. The second baseman throws to first and
the ball goes into dead ball area. R1 is awarded home and the batter is awa=
rded
second. This was the second play so time of release applies. R1 was at seco=
nd
when the throw was made. The batter was not at first at the time of the
release.