Baseball 2024

[DCPatriot]

If the runner on second was called out for interference, then there can be no infield fly rule out following that!

The only thing I can think of...whether or not it is an automatic infield fly rule, a baserunner cannot come into physical contact or block the path of an infielder attempting to make a defensive play.

PS:  Hope the Orioles exceed the AL East Pennant or Wildcard race by more than 1 game.

[catfish1957]

If the runner on second was called out for interference, then there can be no infield fly rule out following that!

Using the analogy of the timing of a  run scoring before an out in the field seems to provide a precedent.  Seems bat contact, subequent iF pop out at the plate would precede the runner interference event.   I was under the understanding that the rhubarb was over whether interference took place.

Surprised a replay wasn't invoked to at least consult the rule book.

Of course, I don't own a baseball rule book either, and have been surprised by some things I didn't know.

[cato potatoe]

MLB needs to get rid of the infield fly rule.  Recall the Sam Holbrook debacle from 2012.  Most of the umpires don't have enough sense to judge "ordinary effort" or the interaction of IFR with other rules.  A double play is not the end of the world. 

[DCPatriot]

@Bigun   @catfish1957

Thought we were discussing the replay of the O's vs White Sox the other day...but last night, Juan Soto was called OUT for interfering with the Angels' SS on another infield fly...Boone was tossed for jawing with the umpires.

Seems that the runner (Soto) had to get back to 2nd base so that he wouldn't be "doubled off"...he even attempted to go BEHIND the infielder, but said infielder "misjudged" the fly and fell back into Soto...who was promptly called OUT!

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40243281/yankees-rally-win-wonky-interference-call-1st

[catfish1957]

MLB needs to get rid of the infield fly rule.  Recall the Sam Holbrook debacle from 2012.  Most of the umpires don't have enough sense to judge "ordinary effort" or the interaction of IFR with other rules.  A double play is not the end of the world.

You make good points, but I can see infielders creating a defensive cottage industry out of decoying a catch, dropping the ball, and making snap DP's.

[cato potatoe]

You make good points, but I can see infielders creating a defensive cottage industry out of decoying a catch, dropping the ball, and making snap DP's.

That's OK with me if they are competent enough to pull it off.  Most of the rule changes seem to favor the offense, and this can occasionally shorten a game.  I would get rid of balks too.

[catfish1957]

That's OK with me if they are competent enough to pull it off.  Most of the rule changes seem to favor the offense, and this can occasionally shorten a game.  I would get rid of balks too.

Interesting take.  Another pitcher cottage industry of a mid pitch  circular moves to first base that would pretty much kill the stolen base.
That sure would speed up the game.

[catfish1957]

Surprised no one has commented on MLB consolidating records of MLB and the Negro leagues.

I sure support promoting those leagues of the '20's to '50's, because there were sure some great talents.  And the public needs to recognize them. 

OTOH, MLB AGAIN fails to realize that a huge amount of fan love, is the charm of the records.  I grew up with numbers like 714, 4191, etc.  ingrained into my baseball psyche.

Leave it to modern MLB to "F" that up

[Bigun]

@Bigun   @catfish1957

Thought we were discussing the replay of the O's vs White Sox the other day...but last night, Juan Soto was called OUT for interfering with the Angels' SS on another infield fly...Boone was tossed for jawing with the umpires.

Seems that the runner (Soto) had to get back to 2nd base so that he wouldn't be "doubled off"...he even attempted to go BEHIND the infielder, but said infielder "misjudged" the fly and fell back into Soto...who was promptly called OUT!

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40243281/yankees-rally-win-wonky-interference-call-1st

How in the hell can you make an interference call on a play in which the batter has already been called out and the ball is dead?

[cato potatoe]

Interesting take.  Another pitcher cottage industry of a mid pitch  circular moves to first base that would pretty much kill the stolen base.
That sure would speed up the game.

It would to some extent.  But the pitcher has to work around the timer and limited disengagements.  The timer is obvious, stepoffs are obvious, the throw over is obvious, and it seems like the umpires would have less to misjudge.

[Lando Lincoln]

Had she put her damned cell phone away, this probably would not have happened.

Not always. I have known this guy for at least 30 years. Super guy. He assured me that he was paying attention. He only lost sight of the ball for an instant.

https://deathattheballpark.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/a-personal-tragedy/

[Hoodat]

Using the analogy of the timing of a  run scoring before an out in the field seems to provide a precedent.  Seems bat contact, subequent iF pop out at the plate would precede the runner interference event.   I was under the understanding that the rhubarb was over whether interference took place.

Surprised a replay wasn't invoked to at least consult the rule book.

Of course, I don't own a baseball rule book either, and have been surprised by some things I didn't know.

Rule 6.01(a)(6) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner

There was no willfull intent.  The batter had already been called 'out'.

[Hoodat]

How in the hell can you make an interference call on a play in which the batter has already been called out and the ball is dead?

The ball is not dead.  Let's say the bases are loaded and no one out.  The batter hits an infield fly.  But the runner on third trots to home and then heads to the dugout before the ball comes down.  If a fielder catches it, then easy double play.  But if the fielder does not catch it, the run scores.  Correction:  none.  I stand by my original statement

Likewise, let's say the runner a third holds up and waits for the ball to be caught.  The catcher moves out into the infield to catch the ball.  The runner notices no one is covering home plate.  So he waits for the catcher to catch it, then tags up and races home, beating the catcher there.  Run scores.

This isn't an automatic dead-ball situation.

[Bigun]

The ball is not dead.  Let's say the bases are loaded and no one out.  The batter hits an infield fly.  But the runner on third trots to home and then heads to the dugout before the ball comes down.  If a fielder catches it, then easy double play.  But if the fielder does not catch it, the run scores.

Likewise, let's say the runner a third holds up and waits for the ball to be caught.  The catcher moves out into the infield to catch the ball.  The runner notices no one is covering home plate.  So he waits for the catcher to catch it, then tags up and races home, beating the catcher there.  Run scores.

This isn't an automatic dead-ball situation.

I strongly disagree. The instant the infield fly rule is invoked the ball is dead and it matters not whether anyone catches the ball.

[Hoodat]

I strongly disagree. The instant the infield fly rule is invoked the ball is dead and it matters not whether anyone catches the ball.

MLB Rulebook:  https://content.mlb.com/documents/2/2/4/305750224/2019_Official_Baseball_Rules_FINAL_.pdf

See pp. 149-150.

When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their
own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally
drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions
of Rule 5.09(a)(12). The infield fly rule takes precedence.
I

[Bigun]

MLB Rulebook:  https://content.mlb.com/documents/2/2/4/305750224/2019_Official_Baseball_Rules_FINAL_.pdf

See pp. 149-150.

When an infield fly rule is called, runners may advance at their
own risk. If on an infield fly rule, the infielder intentionally
drops a fair ball, the ball remains in play despite the provisions
of Rule 5.09(a)(12). The infield fly rule takes precedence.
I

I played a LOT of baseball in my younger days and never once saw it called that way.

[Hoodat]

I played a LOT of baseball in my younger days and never once saw it called that way.

Here's one for you.  What happens when a batter's bat hits the catcher's mitt while swinging, but his foot lands outside the batter's box?

[Bigun]

Here's one for you.  What happens when a batter's bat hits the catcher's mitt while swinging, but his foot lands outside the batter's box?

The batter is awarded first base. Catcher's interference.

[Hoodat]

The batter is awarded first base. Catcher's interference.

But he stepped out of the batter's box.

[Bigun]

But he stepped out of the batter's box.

Which was caused by his bat hitting the catcher's mitt.

[Hoodat]

Which was caused by his bat hitting the catcher's mitt.

Not necessarily.  One has nothing to do with the other.  Is it a timing thing?  Whichever one he does first?  Let's say he kicks his back foot outside the back of the box before hitting the mitt.  Or let's say he hits the mitt first just before his foot lands outside the box.   Or if it lands at the exact time his bat strikes the mitt.

I don't know the answer to the question.  I don't see any place where the rules cover such a contingency.

Back to the other though.  I have seen both someone tag up from second base after an infield fly was caught because no one was covering third.  And I have seen a runner run after a mishandled catch rolled away.