Hi. I have an off the wall possible major league baseball question.

Question

Runners on second and third, one out. Batter hits ball toward the gap. Pitcher runs to back up the possible throw to the plate. Runner on third waits to make sure ball drops before heading for the plate. He is several feet outside the "baseline", and runs head on into the pitcher making his way behind the plate. They both go down, and the runner from second passes the two players, and crosses home. The batter ends up at second base with a double. Is there interference on the pitcher, even though the runner from third technically was out of the baseline? And is the second runner out for crossing the plate ahead of the runner from third, who was knocked down and is unable to get up, and is tagged with the retrived ball from the outfield? Is the inning then over with no runs scoring? Thanks.

Answer 1

There would be a certain judge for intent.  The only way the run would be granted is if it were obvious to the umpire that the pitcher was intentionally trying to interfere with the runner, while the runner was obviously trying to avoid the pitcher.  If the collision were accidental, the runner would be out for running out of the baseline.

As for the runner behind, he is not allowed to pass the runner in front of him, no matter what...if he did so, he would be out.  So he would have to stop at third.

In the scenario you describe, if the pitcher was intentionally interfering with the runner, the lead run would score and the others would stay at second and third.  

Answer 2

It depends how far "out of the baseline" he was.  Most fields have grass with dirt along the base paths; as long as the runner is in the dirt he's considered in the base line; if he goes outside of that, then he's out immediately.

In either case, at least one run scores.

Answer 3

I think the inning is not over.  The pitcher has the right to the base line, especially if the runner is out of the base line.  Although the base line  between 3rd and home isnt really the "3 feet" rule (b/c a player can round third wide and be way out of the "base line")  So the runnre taggin up is out for interference, and he is automatically out, so the runner from second is not out once he passes the other runner on the ground.  one run scores, 2 outs and a guy on second

Answer 4

First miscomception here is that a runner is out for leaving the base line. The runner is only out when leaving th ebase line to avoid a tag, or if it results in interfering with a thrown or batted ball.

The correct call would be obstruction on the pitcher because he was not moking a play on a batted or thrown ball. In the case of obstruction the umpire throws up his hands as if calliing time, and the ball is dead. However. if a thrown ball is in flight, play will continue in the case of an overthrow. All runners are given the next base.

If by some odd chance the umps miss the obstruction call, and the player is injured, there are a couple possibilities. If the injured runner is tagged before the next runner passes him, then only he is out.(Once a runner is put out another runner can pass him.) If the 2nd runner should pass the first runner before he is tagged out, the batter would be out, and the runner would be out.

The proper call would be obstruction, run scores, hitter and runner on second awarded one base (Note - if hitter has rounded first and man on second rounded third, they would end up at second and scoring on the play.)

Answer 5

I could be wrong, but I'm thinking that the instant the front runner exits the base path (assuming this is BEFORE he slams into the pitcher), he's out.  The guy who started on 2nd...his run would count, since the guy in front of him was out, so he wasn't passing another runner.

Answer 6

1st off, base runner from second, is automatically out for passing a runner...

baserunner from 3rd would not be out, as he was running the bases... as long as he isnt like 20 feet outside the baseline, he is fine.

No interference from the pitcher, as it is considered in play.

Inning is not over... 1 out.

Answer 7

Most of you have the right idea with the runner being out for passing the lead runner. BUT, you are not out as a result from going out of the baseline unless you are trying to avoid a tag.

Answer 8

The runner going from third to home is safe due to obstruction. He is awarded home plate. A player may leave the "baseline" only if they are not avoiding a tag.

Although I don't know why a runner going from third to home would be out of the baseline if advancing one base, I would say that's terrible base running.

Once obstruction is called, the ball is dead. All runner's advance at least one base past the last base they were safe at, upon the umpire's discretion.

Answer 9

No interference on the pitcher because he is out of the base line. Second runner is out for passing the 1st runner..........Yes, inning over with no runs scored.

Answer 10

well i think that the inning would be over with no runs scoring

Answer 11

What came for first? The chicken or the egg?

If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it actually make a sound?

Answer 12

Runner makes his own baseline when running the bases.  The only time he has to run directly to the base, is when a fielder has the ball and is waiting to make a tag (however, the runner can always turn around and run the other direction).

The pitcher has committed "obstruction" when the collision happened near home.  By rule - you let the play continue so that the offense is not further disadvantaged by the defense.  When the play ends, then you decide what penalty to impose because of the obstruction.

So if I was the umpire, I would award both runners home and left the batter/runner on 2B.  Disregard the 2nd runner passing the 1st runner.  The improper action of the defense caused that.

There are no outs on the play.