Coaches, Umpires, Parents and Players, Welcome to the new CAPO Girls Softball Website. My name is Russ Joseph and I am the Umpire in Chief (UIC) for the league and will use this page to keep us all up do date on rule interpretations, rule changes and explain some of those rules that sometimes just aren’t too clear in the Rule Book. The rule definitions and interpretations will be from the USA Softball 2020 Official Rules of Softball. USA Softball is one governing body for softball played in the USA. Other organizations such NFHS and NCAA have some differences and sometimes, very significant differences. When you graduate to these other levels, make sure you get familiar with their rule sets. And if you played baseball, forget everything you learned except that softball has 3 bases and a home plate, like baseball. Beyond that, make sure you are using softball rules!
I will also answer any questions you may have. Just send them to me at
[email protected]. I hope this is helpful to all members of the Capo community. All feedback is welcome.
Note: Everything dated before July 5, 2020 is old and may be outdated by changes in the USA Softball rules. I will slowly bring all comments up to date and delete the older interpretations. Let’s get started!
Posted November 20, 2020
Force Out vs. Tag Out vs. Appeal
Let’s start with the definitions:
FORCE OUT: An out which may be made only when a runner loses the right to the base that the runner is occupying because the batter becomes the batter-runner, and before the batter-runner or a trailing runner has been but out.
TAG: a legal tag is the act of a defensive player:
Touching a base with any part of the body while holding the ball securely and firmly in the hand or glove or,
Touching the runner or batter-runner with the ball while securely held in the hand or glove.
FORCE OUT: Based on the definition, whenever the batter becomes a batter-runner (BR), other runners are FORCED to give up their base to make room for the BR. When a runner is forced to give up their base, they can be put out by tagging the next base or by tagging the runner. Even if the runner is TAGED, it is still considered a force out in this situation. Knowing this is a FORCED out is important because no runs may score on a play when the 3rd out of the inning is a FORCE out.
BATTER-RUNNER: A player who has completed a turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached first base.
Technically the batter-runner being put out at 1st first base or before reaching first base is not considered a FORCE OUT, but the effect is the same. It’s a semantic thing not worth getting into but a purist will tell you, by definition, it is not a force out. But the same rule applies, no runs may score on a play when the 3rd out of the inning is a FORCE out OR IS THE RESULT OF A BATTER-RUNNER BEING PUT OUT BEFORE REACHING FIRST BASE. .
In the following case plays, we’ll define if the out is a FORCE out or not:
Runner on 1st base, batter hits a ground ball to SS and SS steps on 2nd base before the runner arrives. THIS IS A FORCE OUT because the runner on 1st base lost the right to 1st base in order to make room for the BR.
Runner on 1st base and 2nd base, ground ball to third base and 3rd baseman steps on 3rd base before the runner arrives. THIS IS A FORCE OUT because the runner on 2nd base lost the right to 2nd base because the runner on 1st base had to make room for the BR.
Runner on 1st and 3rd bases. Ground ball to SS who throws to the catcher who applies the tag to the runner. This is a TAG OUT but is NOT A FORCE OUT because the runner on 3rd base did not have to give up her base
Runner on 1st base, ground ball to second baseman and 2nd baseman tags the runner before she reaches 2nd base. Even though this was a TAG OUT, THIS IS ALSO A FORCE OUT because the runner on 1st base lost the right to 1st base in order to make room for the BR.
Whenever a batter-runner is put out, all force outs are cancelled because no one must make room for the BR.
In the following case plays, we’ll define when a FORCE OUT situation is cancelled:
Runner on 1st base and batter bunts. Catcher picks up the ball and immediately tags the batter-runner. Since the BR is now out, there are no more FORCE OUTS because the runners no longer must make room for the BR. Runners will need to be tagged while off the base to be called out.
Bases loaded and a fly ball is caught by Right Fielder for an out. Since the BR is now out, there are no more FORCE OUTS because the runners no longer must make room for the BR. Runners are not forced to advance and will need to be tagged while off the base to be called out.
Runner on 1st and 3rd bases. Ground ball to SS who throws to the catcher who applies the tag to the runner. This is a TAG OUT but is NOT A FORCE OUT because the runner on 3rd base did not have to give up her base.
What if 2 runners occupy the same base:
When 2 runners occupy the same base, only one of them has a right to be at that base. The one who has the right to be there will be safe if tagged while on the base. The runner who should not be there will be out if tagged, even while standing on the base. Examples:
Runner’s on 2nd and 3rd and a ground ball is hit to the first baseman. The first baseman steps on 1st base for the out then sees that the runner from 2nd advanced to 3rd base. Both runners are standing on third base. She throws the ball to the third baseman who tags the leading runner. The lead runner is NOT OUT, because she owns 3rd base. The runner from 2nd was not forced to advance. If both runners are still on the base and the runner from 2nd base is tagged, this runner will be called out.
Bases loaded and a ground ball is hit to the first. The pitcher sees the runner on 3rd stay there and the runner from 2nd base runs to 3rd base. Both runners are standing on third base. She throws the ball to the third baseman who tags the leading runner. The lead runner IS OUT, because she was forced to vacate 3rd base to make room for the other runners who were also forced to advance. If the runner from 2nd base was tagged, she would NOT BE OUT because she is the one with the right to 3rd base in this play.
APPEAL PLAY: A play on a rule violation on which an umpire may not make a decision until requested by a manager, coach or player.
I’m not going to go into too much detail here. We’ll save appeals for another section. However, there is a common misperception that when a runner fails to tag up on a caught fly ball and the fielder tags the base that this is a force out and if this is the 3rd out that the runs do not count. An appeal is NOT a force out. Even though the fielder does not have to tag the runner and can simply touch the base does not make this a force out.
Here is a case play on an appeal situation:
Runner’s on 2nd and 3rd and batter hits a fly ball to RF that is caught. Runner on 3rd tagged up properly and scored. Runner on 2nd did not tag up and went to 3rd base. As runner was trying to return to 2nd base, the RF threw the ball to the SS who stepped on the bag and the runner was out for the 3rd out. This is NOT a force out and if the runner from 3rd crossed the plate before this out, the run does count.
Posted October 21, 2020
Difference between Rounding and Over-Running First Base
Rounding is when you reach first base and “round” the bag and take a few steps towards second base
Over-running is when you reach first base and continue straight thru.
When you round 1st base and take a few steps to 2nd base you can be tagged out because you are off the base. Any player with the ball can tag the runner and she will be out.
When you over-run 1st base and take a few steps towards the outfield you “usually” will not be out if tagged unless you actually committed to 2nd base. When the runner over-runs 1st base, she can turn either left or right and that is OK. It is only when there is a deliberate action towards 2nd base can the runner be tagged out. Here are some examples:
1. The runner over-runs first base down the right field line, stops past the base and turns right. She then heads back to the base. If the defense tags the runner, she is not out because she has not committed towards 2nd base.
2. The runner over-runs first base down the right field line, stops past the base and turns left. She then heads back to the base. If the defense tags the runner, she is not out because she has not committed towards 2nd base, she simply turned left.
3. The runner over-runs first base down the right field line, stops past the base and turns left. She then does a head fake towards 2nd base or takes a step directly towards 2nd . Even if she changes her mind and heads back to 1st , she has committed to 2nd base and
can be tagged out.
4. The runner over-runs first base down the right field line, stops past the base and turns left. She then starts to head back to the base. The 1st baseman sees the runner turned left and “thinks” she can tag her out. While trying to tag the runner, the runner in turn attempts to evade the tag but is eventually tagged. She was allowed to turn left and her attempt to evade the tag was not a commitment to 2nd base; it was just an attempt to avoid an unwarranted tag at 1st base. So in this case the runner is still not out and can
continue to 1st base.
5. Whether the runner over-runs or rounds the base, IF THE BALL IS NOT IN THE CIRCLE IN THE POSSESION OF THE PITCHER, the runner can take off for 2nd no matter if they turned right, left or just stopped. The scenarios above do not involve the lookback rule. If the ball is IN THE CIRCLE IN THE POSSESION OF THE PITCHER a new set of conditions apply, and this is known as the LOOK
BACK RULE (or hesitation Rule). That is a different scenario covered in Rule 8.7.T. I wrote a summary of the Look Back Rule (commonly called Hesitation) a few weeks back.
Posted July 5, 2020
Concept 1: ObstructionObstruction: The act of a defensive team member:
A. Who impedes a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball
B. Who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases unless the fielder is:
a. In possession of the ball
b. In the act of fielding a batted ball
Note: Contact is not necessary to impede the progress of the batter-runner or a runner
Lets focus on the runner part of this rule; B, B.1 and B.2:
Pretty simple; the defender cannot impede the runner UNLESS the defender has possession of the ball or is in the act of fielding a batted ball.
Examples: 1. Ground ball to shortstop. Runner from 1st base must run around the second baseman who is in the path of the runner. Second baseman does not have the ball and is not in act of fielding a batted ball. She impeded the runner. This IS Obstruction.
2. Ground ball to shortstop. Second baseman is in the runner’s path but moves out of the path before the runner has to change her path to the base. Second baseman does not have the ball and is not in act of fielding a batted ball, but she did not impede the runner. This IS NOT Obstruction.
3. Ground ball between 1st and 2nd base. Runner from 1st must run around the second baseman who is in the path of the runner. Even though she impeded the runner, this IS NOT Obstruction because she is in the act of fielding a batted ball.
4. Ground ball between 1st and 2nd base. Both the first baseman and the second baseman go after the ball. Runner from 1st grazes the first baseman as the second baseman fields the ball. This IS Obstruction because by rule, the runner only has to avoid 1 defender, the defender that the umpire judges has the best chance of fielding the ball. Even though the first baseman was attempting to field the ball, it was easy to judge that it was the 2nd baseman’s ball. Therefore, the impeding by the first baseman IS Obstruction
5. Ground ball to shortstop and she flips to third baseman. The third baseman applies the tag, the ball comes out and they both fall to the ground. SS picks up the ball and tags the runner. This situation is a little more complicated. It was not initially Obstruction on the third baseman because she was in possession of the ball when she impeded the runner. When she lost control and was on top of the runner, preventing the runner from getting to the base, this now IS Obstruction.
Myth Busters: 1. My defender took the front of the base and gave the runner the whole back half of the base. Sorry coach, the runner gets to choose where they want to run, not the defender.
2. My defender was about to receive the ball. Sorry coach, if she did not have possession of the ball at the time she impeded the runner, that is Obstruction.
3. My defender stepped into the runner’s path to catch the ball. You have to allow my defender to make the play. Sorry coach, if she did not have possession of the ball at the time she impeded the runner, that is Obstruction.
The next section will deal with Obstruction at 1st base. Since the runner has the orange base all to themselves, the runner must avoid the first baseman using the white base, in most circumstances, even when the first baseman has not yet received the ball. See Concept 2.
Posted July 5, 2020
Concept 2: Obstruction and Interference Around 1st Base
1st base is a special area on the field because there is designated space for the defender (white base) and for the batter-runner (orange or safety base). On a routine play at 1st base from either the infield or the outfield, the fielder must use the white base and the batter-runner must use the orange base. We’ll get into exceptions later. In the USA rule book the safety base is referred to as the contrasting color portion of the double base.
Rule 8.2.N: The double base shall be used at all divisions of play. The following rules should be enforced:
1. A batted ball hitting or bounding over the white portion is fair.
2. A batted ball hitting or bounding over the contrasting color portion is foul.
3. When a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the contrasting color portion of the base.
Effect: The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion, providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base. Once the runner returns to the white or contrasting color portion of the base, an appeal shall not be honored.
Examples: 1. Ground ball to shortstop. Defender must position herself on the white base and the batter-runner must head to the safety base.
a. If the defender reaches into the batter-runner’s path and impedes the runner before the defender has the ball, this IS Obstruction.
b. If the runner uses the white base AND interferes with the defender’s attempt to catch the throw, this IS Interference and the runner is out and the play is killed (dead ball).
2. Ball hit through the infield and there is no possibility for a play at 1st base. In this case the runner is not restricted to the safety base and can use either base.
a. Since there is no possibility of a play, the 1st baseman cannot stand on the white base and imped the runner’s attempt to take a turn or advance to 2nd base. This IS Obstruction
3. Ground ball to shortstop. Defender must position herself on the white base and the runner must head to the safety base. Before the runner reached 1st base, the ball sailed over the first baseman’s head and hit the fence, staying inside the park. The runner seeing this heads to the white portion of the double base to attempt 2nd base but brushes against the first baseman who has not moved.
a. This IS Obstruction. This is where it gets tricky. The first baseman did what she was supposed to and set up on the white base. However, as soon as the ball sailed over her head, she no longer had an opportunity to make the catch and she no longer has a right to the white base and the runner no longer has an obligation to run to the orange base. [We know the first baseman can’t vaporize into thin air, but once she no longer has a play she has no right to be in the runner’s way.]
b. Obstruction does not require contact, even the slightest delay that hinders or impedes the runner IS Obstruction.
4. There are 2 special cases where the defender can use the orange base which results in the batter-runner being able to use either the white or orange bag.
a. Example 1: on a dropped third strike that rolls on the foul side of the first base line or on any throw coming from that side of the first base foul line. In this case the defender is allowed to set up on the orange base so that the catcher does not have to throw across the runner. If the first baseman does set up on the orange base, the runner can choose to use either the white or orange bag.
b. Example 2: on an errant throw that pulls the defender into the orange bag. In this case the defender is allowed to step on the orange bag and still get the out call (providing the batter-runner wasn’t hindered before the first baseman had possession of the ball).
c. If the fielder uses the orange base but was not drawn into the orange bag or the throw did not come from the foul side of 1st the batter-runner will be called safe, even if the throw beat the runner.
Myth Busters: 1. Once the runner returns to the base, she can only use the white base. The distinction between the white and contrasting color positions of the double base are only relevant when a batter-runner is advancing to 1st base. After a batter-runner reaches 1st base, both the runner and the defender can use any portion of the double base.
2. On a fly ball to RF, the right fielder throws the ball to the first baseman to double up the runner. The throw beats the runner, but the first baseman only stepped on the orange base. In this case the runner is still out. After a runner reaches 1st base, both the runner and the defender can use the entire double base.
Posted July 5, 2020
Concept 3: Awards for ObstructionWe have discussed what initiates an Obstruction call. Now let’s understand the signals and consequences of an Obstruction call.
1. If the umpire sees Obstruction, they will verbally announce Obstruction and use the delayed dead ball signal (Raised left arm shoulder high and fist closed and Verbalize “obstruction”). The umpire must see it to call it. Note that at CAPO we usually only have one umpire. If there is a play at 3rd base and obstruction occurred at 1st base, the umpire might not see it.
2. Obstruction results in a delayed dead ball call. That means play continues and any award is not made until the play concludes.
3. If a runner is Obstructed, the runner may not be called out between the two bases where obstructed. So if a runner is obstructed rounding 1st base, she may not be put out between 1st base and 2nd base. If she is tagged between these bases, the umpire will call dead ball and then assign the runner to 1st base or 2nd base. If the umpire judges she would have made 2nd base absent the obstruction, the umpire would award the runner 2nd base. Otherwise the runner would be put back at 1st base.
4. If Obstruction occurs while the runner is rounding a base, the runner will usually be protected to the next base. But this is a grey area. If the Obstruction clearly occurred before the base, she may only be protected to that base but if she is actually rounding the base, she should be protected further.
5. If the runner obtains the next base on their own, then the obstruction call is negated, and we continue play.
6. In some situation the runner will be protected further than just the next base. The obstructed runner and all other runners shall always be awarded the base or bases which would have been reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no obstruction
a. Example 1: A runner rounding 1st base is knocked off-stride by a first baseman in her way. The runner continues onto 3rd base and is tagged out sliding into 3rd. The umpire judges she would have made 3rd base if she had not been obstructed at 1st base so the runner is awarded 3rd base.
b. Example 2: A runner rounding 1st base is knocked to the ground by a first baseman. By the time the runner gets up the ball is back in the infield, the runner decides to step back on 1st base. The umpire judges she would have made 3rd base if she had not been obstructed so the runner is awarded 3rd base. Even though the runner made no attempt to go to 3rd, the correct award is based on the umpire’s judgement that she would have made it had she not been knocked to the ground.
7. More than one runner can be affected by the same obstruction and all runners should be awarded the base they would have achieved
a. Example: A lead runner is going from 1st to 3rd when the shortstop causes the lead runner to fall. By the time she gets up, the runner decides to stay at 2nd base. After play stops, the umpire can award the lead runner 3rd base and put the batter on 2nd base. The batter-runner had to stop at 1st base because of the obstruction at 2nd base. Both runners were affected and both runners should be awarded the base they would have achieved absent the obstruction on the lead runner.
8. The only time a runner can be called out between the bases where she was obstructed is if the runner commits one of the following infractions after the obstruction:
a. If the runner is properly appealed for missing a base
b. If the runner leaves a base before a fly ball is first touched. [If the obstruction prevented the runner from returning to the base, the obstruction would apply, If the runner would not have made it back to the base even without the obstruction, the runner remains out.]
c. If the runner committed an act of interference after the obstruction
d. If the runner passed another runner,
Case 11: Crash (posted April 27, 2014 - see also cases posted April 21)
- A ground ball is hit past the 1st baseman. The 2nd baseman, playing deep is able to field the ball and attempts to run to 1st base and beat the runner. The speedy runner, reached the orange base before the fielder and as she crossed the base, the fielder in possession of the ball, stepped in front of the runner. A violent collision resulted, the runners helmet hit the fielder in the head and both players went down. The fielder held onto the ball.
What’s your call?
This is a “no-call” but the play was killed immediately. The runner is safe because she beat the fielder to the bag. The play was killed immediately because of the violent collision and possible head injury. (see Rule Supplement -Injured Player). The fielder was in possession of the ball and collided with the runner. This is not considered a crash but is rather incidental contact. The fielder stepped into the runners path at the last instant and the runner could not avoid the collision. This is different than a runner crashing into a fielder who is in possession of the ball and already in their path. Rule Supplement 13, Crashing, F & G, explain this. When the ball, runner and defensive player arrive at the same time and contact is made, the umpire shall not invoke the crash rule, interference or obstruction. This is merely incidental contact and the ball remains live.
Case 10: Force Out (posted April 27, 2013)
A runner advanced safely from 1st to 2nd on an infield ground ball; all runners safe. The ball is thrown to 2nd base. As the fielder walks towards the pitcher, the base runner at 2nd starts walking off the base towards 1st base. The fielder seeing this, steps on the 2nd base bag before the runner returns.
What's your call?
The runner is OUT because this is a force out. Even though the runner had already attained 2nd base, when she stepped off towards first base the force situation is reinstated. She is forced to go to 2nd; she cannot go to 1st because 1st base is occupied. Rule Supplement 1, Appeals, J. Force Out , "The force is reinstated when the forced runner retreats towards the base first occupied".
Case 9: Interference/Obstruction/Crash (amended April 21, 2014)
- With runner on 2nd, the batter gets a hit to the outfield. This results in a play at the plate and the runner is safe. The batter sees the throw to the plate and heads to 2nd. The throw comes to the 2nd baseman about 6 ft towards 1st base. The fielder reaches for and catches the ball which drew her into the runner’s path resulting in a collision.
What’s your call?
- With runner on 2nd, the batter gets a hit to the outfield. This results in a play at the plate and the runner is safe. The batter sees the throw to the plate and heads to 2nd. The throw comes to the 2nd baseman about 6 ft towards 1st base. She receives the ball and then is standing in the runner’s path. The runner is tagged out, but claims she was obstructed.
What’s your call?
- With a runner on 2nd base and no outs, the batter hits a line drive just over the baseline between 2nd and 3rd base. The shortstop who was playing shallow runs back to attempt to catch the ball. As she crosses the baseline, the runner and fielder collide.
What’s your call?
- With runner on 2nd, the batter gets a hit to the outfield. This results in a play at the plate and the runner is safe. The batter sees the throw to the plate and heads to 2nd. The throw comes to the 2nd baseman who is standing in the runner’s path without the ball. Before the ball arrives, the runner bowls over the fielder and the ball goes into the outfield.
What’s your call?
In “a” we have a “no-call” and the ball remains live. Rule Supplement 13, Crashing, F & G, explain this. When the ball, runner and defensive player arrive at the same time and contact is made, the umpire shall not invoke the crash rule, interference or obstruction. This is merely incidental contact and the ball remains live. Note: this is for a thrown ball and not a batted ball.
In “b” we have an OUT. The fielder is allowed to stand in the runner’s path when the fielder is in possession of the ball. This is not obstruction. Obstruction is the act of a defensive team member, who impedes the runner…unless the fielder is in possession of the ball. Definitions. The runner must avoid a crash and if she runs outside the 3 foot lane, she should be called out. Rule Supplement 13, Crashing, E.
In “c” we must make a call, but it depends on what really happened. The runner must give the fielder the right of way to field a batted ball, only if the fielder has a chance to make the out. If the ball is too far over the fielder’s head and the umpire determines it was not a catchable ball, we have obstruction by the fielder. A delayed dead ball is signaled and verbalized by the umpire and play is allowed to continue. If the umpire determines the ball was catchable, we have interference by the runner, the play should be called dead immediately, and the runner called out. This is covered in Rule 8, section 7.J. which states, The runner is out when the runner interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted fair ball.
In “d” we have obstruction. The fielder cannot be in the path of the runner without possessing the ball. But it is NOT ok to intentionally harm another player, even if that player should not be in the way. Light or normal contact is obstruction on the defender and results in a delayed dead ball signal. Anything more aggressive can be treated as unsportsmanlike conduct by the runner and dealt with by a warning or ejection.
Case 8: Illegal Pitch (posted April 13 2014)
- With no outs and 2 runners on at 1st and 3rd, the pitcher steps on the rubber, brings her hands together, separates her hands, brings them back together and goes into her pitch. The umpire signals illegal pitch. The pitch comes into the batter and hits her foot.
What’s your call?
- With 2 outs and a 2-2 count on the batter, and 2 runners on at 1st and 3rd, the pitcher steps on the rubber, brings her hands together, separates her hands, brings them back together and goes into her pitch. The umpire signals illegal pitch. The pitch comes into the batter and she hits a ground ball to 3rd. The third baseman holds the runner at 3rd and throws too late to 1st. The runner remained at 3rd and all runners are safe.
What’s your call?
In “a”, we have an immediate dead ball when the ball contacts the batter. The batter is awarded 1st base and all runners are awarded 1 base (Rule 6 Section 3N Effect 3.). In this case no choice is given, per rule.
In “b” the batter reached 1st base, but not all runners advanced 1 base. Therefore, per Rule 6 Section 3N Effect 2 the coach will be given a choice of the result of the play or a ball on the batter and advance the runners. This becomes a strategy decision for the coach. Does he take the results of the play which loads the bases with 2 outs or does he take a ball on the batter and advance his runners which results in a run scored. Coach’s choice.
Case 7: Fair - Foul (posted April 13 2014)
- The batter swings late and makes contact with the ball on an outside pitch. The ball skips off the ground in foul territory and about 30 feet from home plate the ball spins back into fair territory where it is fielded by the pitcher who throws to 1st, ahead of the runner.
What’s your call?
- With runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out, the batter pops up halfway to 1st base. The ball hits the ground, untouched, in foul territory, but spins back into fair territory where it is fielded by the 1st baseman who holds the ball.
What’s your call?
- With runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out, the batter pops up halfway to 1st base. The ball hits the ground in fair territory, but spins and comes to rest, untouched, in foul territory.
What’s your call?
In “a” and “b” the batter is out. In “c” this is a foul ball, a strike on the batter and runners return to their bases. But “b” and “c” are also possible Infield Fly situations. We’ll come back to the infield fly in a minute.
Case a and b are fair balls. Even if a ball starts out foul, it is a fair ball if it comes into fair territory. Rule 1: Definitions – Fair Ball-C defines a fair ball as “”While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment or clothing of a player or an umpire. Both case “a” and “b” meet this condition. Case “c” is covered by Rule 1: Definitions – Fair Ball-A which states A Fair Ball is “A legally batted ball that settles on or over fair territory between home and 1st base or between home and 3rd base.” Case “c” settled in foul territory and is therefore a foul ball.
Cases “b” and “c” also are potentially Infield Fly situations. But an Infield Fly can only be called on a fair ball. Since case “b” ends as a fair ball and we had an Infield Fly situation, we have a fair ball and the batter is out. In case “c”, the ball was foul which negates the Infield Fly and we simply have a foul ball and a strike on the batter.
Case 6: Runner Interference (posted April 5, 2014)
- With 1 out and a runner on 2nd base, the ball is hit towards the shortstop. The runner runs in front of the shortstop and is hit by the batted ball before the fielder could get to it.
What’s your call?
- With 1 out and a runner on 2nd base, the ball is hit towards the shortstop. The 3rd baseman goes for the ball but it goes by her untouched. The runner, running between the 3rd baseman and the shortstop is hit by the ball.
What’s your call?
- With 1 out and a runner on 2nd base, the ball is hit towards the shortstop. The 3rd baseman goes for the ball but it goes by her untouched. It also gets by the shortstop. The runner, running behind both defenders is hit by the ball.
What’s your call?
- With 1 out and a runner on 2nd base, the ball is hit towards the shortstop. The 3rd baseman goes for the ball and deflects it, but does not handle it cleanly. The runner, running between the 3rd baseman and the shortstop is hit by the ball.
What is your call?
In “a” and “b” the runner is OUT. In “c” the runner is not out and we have a live ball (no call is made). In “d” the runner is not out and we have a live ball, unless the runner intentionally interfered with the ball.
Rule 8, Section 7J.1. states, The runner is out ..when a runner interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted fair ball. This rule applies to case “a”. Rule 8, Section 7K. also applies since the ball had not passed a fielder other than the pitcher. Rule 8, Section 7K. applies to cases “b” and “c”. This rule states, The runner is out ..When a runner is struck by a fair untouched batted ball while not in contact with a base and before it passes another infielder excluding the pitcher, or if it passes an infielder and another infielder has an opportunity to make an out. In “b” the runner is out because the shortstop still had an opportunity to make an out. In “c”, the ball remains live and the runner is not out because the ball was by both infielders and there was no other infielder who had an opportunity to make an out. Note: the fielder must have an opportunity to make an OUT, not just a play.
Case “d” is covered by Rule Supplement 33, A, 1b., Interference. This section states…It is interference if the batted ball deflects off 1 defensive player and the runner intentionally interferes with any defensive player who has an opportunity to make an out. “Intentionally” is an umpire judgment call and unless the interference is blatant, a deflected ball that hits the runner will usually be left as a Live Ball (no call is made).
Case 5: Does the run count (posted April 5, 2014)
- With 2 out and the bases loaded, a ground ball is hit to the shortstop. The runner on 3rd broke towards home on contact and crossed the plate just before the shortstop’s throw was caught at 3rd base for the force out at 3rd.
Does the run score?
- With 2 out and the bases loaded, a ground ball is hit to the shortstop. The runner going from 2nd to 3rd delays to allow the runner to score. Then the runner from 2nd is tagged out.
Does the run score?
- With 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, a ground ball is hit to the third baseman. The runner from 3rd crosses the plate before the runner from 2nd is tagged out for the final out.
Does the run score?
- With 1 out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, a fly ball is hit to left field. Both runners tag-up, but the runner on 2nd leaves 2nd and heads to 3rd before the ball is touched and caught by the left fielder. The runner from 3rd tags correctly and crosses home plate. Before the next pitch, the shortstop appeals that the runner on 2nd left early. The umpire upholds the appeal and calls the runner from 2nd out, ending the inning.
Does the run score?
In a and b, the run does not count. When the inning ends on a force out, runs scored on the play do not count. Rule 5 Section 5 B 1. states, “No run shall score if the 3rd out of the inning is the result of A batter runner being called out prior to reaching first base or any other runner forced out due to the batter becoming a batter-runner.” Rule Supplement 21 Force Out states “A force out can be made by tagging a runner who is forced to advance to a base or by touching the base to which they are being forced.” In “b”, the runner was tagged out, but she was forced to advance to 3rd by the batted ball. Therefore, since she was tagged out before reaching the next base, this is also considered a “force out”.
In c and d, the run counts. In both plays the runner crossed the plate before the 3rd out was made and the 3rd out was not a force out. In “c” the runner on 2nd was not forced to advance. Therefore the run counts.
Play “d” is an appeal for leaving too early. At the time that the out was made by the defense on appeal, the runner had already crossed the plate. Therefore the run counts. Many people mistakenly consider leaving too early a “force” play”. It is not. Rule Supplement 1 K, Appeals-Tag-up states ”When a runner leaves a base too soon on a caught fly ball, this is considered a time play and not a force out. All runs scored in advance of the appealed runner and prior to the legal appeal count.” At the time the out was made, the runner had crossed home plate and the run counts. Note: there are some appeal plays that are “force outs”, such as an appeal for missing first base. If that were the 3rd out of the inning, this force play would cancel any runs that scored on the play.
Case 4: Overthrown Ball (posted March 29, 2014)
- A batter hits the ball to shortstop. The shortstop fields the ball and throws to the 1st baseman but the ball sails over the 1st baseman’s head and into the dugout.
Where do you place the batter-runner? Why?
- A batter hits the ball to second base. The 2nd baseman boots the ball and chases after it. The fielder retrieves the ball just as the batter-runner crosses 1st base. The 2nd baseman throws to the 1st baseman but the ball bounces away from the 1st baseman and rolls into the dugout.
Where do you place the batter-runner? Why?
- Runners are on 1st and 2nd. The runner on 1st base takes a large lead on the pitch. The catcher throws to first but the ball skips off the 1st baseman’s mitt and rolls out of bounds.
Where do you place the runners? Why?
In “a” the batter-runner is awarded 2nd base. In “b” the batter-runner is awarded 3rd base. In “c” the runner on 2nd is awarded home and the runner on 1st is awarded 3rd base.
In all cases this is a 2-base award.
Rule 8, Section 5G states “Runners are entitled to advance without liability to be put out …When the ball is live and is overthrown [thrown out of bounds] or blocked”. All runners shall be awarded 2 bases. The award is based on the position of the runner when the ball left the fielder’s hand. The rule is clear that the award is always 2 bases.
The key is knowing the position of the runner when the ball left the fielder’s hand inorder to correctly place the runners. In “a”, the runner was positioned between home and 1st base. Therefore the 2-base award gives the batter-runner 1st base and 2nd base and places the runner on 2nd base. In “b” the runner had already reached 1st base before the ball left the fielder’s hand. Therefore a 2-base award will advance the runner to 3rd base. In “c” the runners were on 1st and 2nd base when the pick-off attempt started. Therefore this runners will be awarded 2 bases which will place the runner on 1st base on 3rd base and the runner on 2nd base will be awarded home.
It does not matter when the ball goes out of play or where the runner is at the time the ball went out of play. It does not matter if the catcher or the center fielder threw the ball. It only matters where the runner was at the instant the ball left the thrower’s hand. Then add 2 bases from each runner’s position and we are done.
Note: Even if you are awarded 3rd base, you must touch 2nd base on the way or the opponent may appeal missing a base.
Two closely related situations that result in only 1-base awards are a pitched ball (
Rule 8 Section 5C) or a loss of possession (
Rule 8 Section 5G1) that go out of bounds. Any pitched ball that goes out of bounds is a 1-base award. A pitch is a pitch and is not considered a throw. If a fielder loses possession of a ball that then travels out-of-bounds (for example, a swipe tag results in the ball rolling free and out of bounds), this is also a 1 base award.
Case 3: Infield Fly
With 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd, the batter pops up the ball to the 3rd baseman who hardly moves and catches the ball.
What is your call?
With the infield pulled in, 0 outs and the bases loaded, a low pop-up is hit over the second baseman’s head. The second baseman runs back and catches the ball over her shoulder while lunging for the ball.
What is your call?
The first example is is a classic definition of an Infield Fly situation and the batter is called OUT. see Rule-Definitions This rule is in place to protect the offensive team from trickery by the defense. A “catchable” pop-up puts the other base runners in jeopardy. They don’t know if the ball will be caught or dropped. The infield fly rule automatically calls the batter out so that the runners are not forced to advance. Anytime there are runners on 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd and 3rd with less than 2 outs, we can have an infield fly situation on a ball popped up that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. Even if the ball drops to the ground or it is caught by an outfielder, it is still an infield fly if the umpire judges that it could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort. Other situations related to infield fly rule are:
- The umpire should declare "Infield Fly the Batter is Out" by calling it loudly and holding his/her arm high signaling the out. This is done when the ball is at the top of the arch.
- An infield fly cannot be called for a line drive or for a bunted ball. These are live balls that must be played out.
- When the ball is popped-up near the foul line and the umpire is not sure if this will be a fair or foul ball, the umpire calls, “Infield fly if fair”. If the ball remains fair, whether caught or dropped, the batter is out. If the ball is foul, it is not an infield fly. The batter is out if the foul ball is caught. If the ball is not caught and remains foul, the runners return to their bases and a strike is assigned to the batter.
- To call an infield fly, the umpire must judge that the ball can be caught with ordinary effort.
In the second example, this should not be ruled an infield fly. It took much more than ordinary effort to run back and catch the ball hit over the 2nd baseman.
Case 2: Out of the Base Path
A player is caught in a run-down (pickle) between 3rd and home. As the runner is heading home, the ball is thrown to the catcher who bobbles the ball and the ball rolls free. The runner takes about 5 steps toward 1st base and runs around the catcher and then heads back to home and touches home plate.
What is your call?
First there are 2 definitions you should know. The base line is defined as a straight line between bases. It can be imaginary (between 2nd and 3rd) or a physical line drawn on the field (between 3rd and home). In the play described above, the base line is irrelevant.
The base path is defined as "a line directly between a base and the runner’s position at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag that runner".
The runner is SAFE. In this case, the defensive player did not have possession of the ball and therefore the runner is not obligated to adhere to a base path. When a defender is not making an attempt to tag the runner, the runner can go in almost any path from one base to another without penalty. If the catcher had caught the ball and maintained possession, the runner would have been obligated to stay within 3 feet from the imaginary line defined by her position and the next base. Rule 8, Section 7A states: The runner is out when running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs more than three feet from the
base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand or the glove of a fielder. Since the fielder had dropped the ball, she could not attempt to tag the runner.
A similar situation can result when a runner leaves the base line to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to field a ball. The runner is allowed to do this. Once the fielder has possession of the ball and is attempting to tag the runner, a base path is now established and the runner cannot run “more than three feet from the
base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand or the glove of a fielder”. This is covered in Rule 8, Section 8A which states: Runner is not out ...When a runner runs behind or in front of the fielder and outside the base path in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
Case 1: Batter InterferenceThe batter swings and misses while a runner is stealing 3rd base. The catcher comes up throwing and her hand hits the batter who is out of the batter’s box and attempting to get out of the catcher’s way.
This is a case of batter’s interference and the batter is OUT. Rule 7, Section 6P states: The batter is out when hindering the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box. (No intent to interfere is required.) Rules 7-6Q and 7-6R cover similar events. In the case above, since the batter was out of the batter’s box and hindered the catcher who was making a play, the batter is called out and runners are returned to the last base touched before the interference occurred. The safest thing for a batter to do when a runner is attempting to steal a base (other than home) is to finish her swing and stand like a statue in the box. Then it becomes the catcher’s obligation to avoid the batter.
There are other types of batter interference such as with a play at the plate. For a play at the plate the batter must get out of the way and not interfere with the catcher throwing or flipping the ball or attempting to tag the runner. This is Rule 7 Section 6S. In both cases the batter is out and the runners return to the last base touched before the interference. There can also be additional penalties if the interference was intentional to avoid a double play. Also, in unusual circumstances, the runner could have already advanced a base before the interference occurred. In this case the runner remains at that base and is not returned to the original base.