Base Awards
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, batter-runner hits ground ball to shortstop who fields ball and makes a one hop throw to first base person. As batter-runner touches first base, thrown ball bounces off first base person and ball enters dead ball territory. Umpire awards batter-runner second base. Offensive coach argues award should be two bases from time ball went dead; hence, batter-runner should get third. Correct call by the umpire?
ANSWER: Umpire is correct in awarding batter-runner two bases from time of pitch on an overthrown ball. (BB only- batter gains a two base award from time of pitch when initial throw from infielder goes out of play. Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 3 c,1). (SB only- this is considered a blocked ball which goes dead; hence, two bases from time throw left fielder’s hand. Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 3,f).
QUESTION: Runner on first base; one out; batter hits a line drive which is caught by the shortstop who then overthrows the first base person attempting to put out the runner returning to first base. The thrown ball goes dead. Is the award based upon the base you are going to plus one or is runner awarded two bases?
ANSWER: Runner is awarded two bases from base occupied at time of pitch ( first); hence, runner gains third base. Runner is required to retouch first base (base left too soon prior to line drive) and is subject to proper appeal by defense following awarding of bases. (BB- 8-3-3,c(3)) SB- two base award judged from bases occupied when throw left fielder’s hand; hence, third base. (8-4-3,f(Penalty).