Runners on 1st and 2nd. Count is 2-2 next pitch ump calls ball 4 all runners advance. Right?

Question

The field ump corrected the count and sent all runners back. Coach felt that base runners should be allowed to keep their base because ball was live and should count as a steal. What is the right call?

Answer 1

Rule 7.01 of the Major League Baseball Rulebook states:  "A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when he touches it before he is out. He is then entitled to it until he is put out, or forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base."

HOWEVER, the rules defining the duties and powers of the umpires provides more enlightenment.

9.01 (c) states:  Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.

Addtionally, 9.02 (a) Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any such judgment decisions.

The manager may appeal the call to the league, but it's doubtful that the appeal would be upheld.

Answer 2

This is where being an umpire is tough. There are no specific rules as to what happens when an umpire makes a flat out and out mistake like this.

Usually the idea is to make sure that the umpire calling ball 4 when it was really only ball 3 does not affect the game. The runners went when they heard ball four, as they should. BUT the defense, having heard ball four called, probably did not even bother with a play.

The umpire really should send the runners back. Your team does not get punished at all as a result - the runners are still exactly where they would have been had the umpire called ball 3, and the defense does not get punished by not making a play.

I'd be interested in what your coach would say had the defense thrown down to third and tagged a runner out. Would he then argue that since it really was only ball three his runner should not be out?

My opinion won't be popular, but I'd bet that every umpire would agree with me.Send the runners back - the count is 3-2, and play on.

Answer 3

Hmm... interesting. It depends on the umps interpretation. The batter was wrong in walking away from the plate, but the players ARE allowed to advance. I would side with the coach.

Answer 4

yes

Answer 5

it's a steal and fielders indifference player should of known count

Answer 6

No, batter returns to the box and players return to 1st and 2nd respectivly, the home ump made an error and it was corrected and retracted by the field ump, that is why there is more than one ump on the field..

Answer 7

The runners on first and second should have been allowed to stay at second and third with stolen bases. It is up to the defense to know the count, even if the plate umpire messed it up.

To the so-called umpires here who say the runners should be sent back, absolutely not. You won't find any manual or rule book or interpretation to support such a "ruling."

In fact, under Official Baseball Rules, if the runner on first is on his way to second on a fourth ball, he is liable to be put out if the plate umpire reverses the call on the check swing after getting help from his partner.

Answer 8

no steal ump is right

Answer 9

no as everyone thought it was ball four it was a mitake but home plate umpire and batter and runners return it wasnot stolen at all.

the ball is alive but since he had the wrong count it confused people.