Tips on Sticky Situations - July 2005

Print

Here are a few tips on some sticky situations…

Infield Fly strikes runner on base
If a runner is touching his/her base when touched by an Infield Fly, he/she is not out, although the batter is out if the ball is fair. And, if the Infield Fly touches a runner while on base in fair territory before touching or passing an infield, the ball is dead and no runner may advance. See rule 7.08(f).

Infield Fly strikes runner not on base
If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly while not touching a base (provided the ball has not touched or passed through an infielder), both runner and batter are out, and the ball is dead. See rule 7.08(f)

Example: Infield Fly is declared. Runner from first unintentionally interferes with second baseman, who is attempting to catch the fly ball.

Ruling: On an Infield Fly, the ball is alive and in play. Therefore the runner is out for interference and the batter-runner is out under the Infield Fly. Other runners return to the base occupied at the time of interference.

Runner interferes while in contact with base
If a runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he/she hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball, the runner shall not be called out unless, in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the umpire declares the hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: With less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out. See rule 7.08(b).

Earlier this year, Andy Konyar (Little League International Umpire Consultant) was on the hot seat for “Ask Little League,” a new way for volunteers, fans and others to communicate with Little League officials and friends. Andy was able to answer inquiries from more than 160 people in 36 states and 10 other countries!

Remember, umpires can get rule updates, interpretations, useful tips like these and much more, by signing up for the Little League Umpire Registry. Click here for more details.