Ask the Ump!

DETACHED EQUIPMENT

QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, shortstop throws glove at a fair batted ball and contacts ball. Is this legal? Are base runners and batter-runner given a one, two or three base award?
ANSWER: Three base award will be given during this delayed dead ball call with runners allowed to advance further at own risk. (BB- award is given from time of infraction. Rule 5, Sec. 1, Art.2b; Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3b). (SB- delayed dead play again as award is from time of pitch. Rule 5-1-2b; and Rule 8-4-3e).
QUESTION: Runners are on third and second bases, respectively as pitch gets by catcher who throws mitt at ball to prevent ball from rolling into dugout. Do runners gain a one or two base award?
ANSWER: (BB only- two base award from time of pitch; hence, both runners are allowed to score. (Rule 5-1-2b and Rule 8-3-3c). (SB only- one base is awarded from time of pitch; hence, runners advance to home and third. Rule 5-1-2b and Rule 8-4-3e, Penalty).

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