AWARDING BASES
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, runner on second base; batter grounds to shortstop who misplays ball then overthrows first base attempting to put out batter-runner. Dead ball. Plate umpire awards each runner one base ; runner advances to third and batter-runner goes to second. Correct call?
ANSWER: Incorrect call; each runner is awarded two (2) bases as runner advances to home while batter-runner goes to second. (BB only- first throw by an infielder results in two base award from time of pitch. Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3,c). (SB only- when ball is overthrown into dead ball area, two base award is from time ball left the fielder’s hand. Rule 8, Sec.4, Art. 3,f). There is no such rule application of one base award from the infield and two from the outfield.
QUESTION: Baseball only; runner on first base takes a lead; while in set position, pitcher tries to pickoff runner and ball is overthrown into dead ball area. Does runner gain a one or two base award?
ANSWER: One (1) base award if pitcher was in contact with pitching plate as he is considered a pitcher. If pitcher stepped backward off of plate, he is considered a fielder and the award would be two (2) bases on overthrow. (Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3 c and d). This is not applicable in softball because runners are not permitted to take a lead prior to pitch.