Awarding Bases - December 2005

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1. When the pitcher is standing on the pitcher’s plate and throws the ball into a dead ball area, award each runner one base.
2. When a fielder throws a ball into a dead ball area, award each runner two bases from the position the runners were in at the time the ball was thrown (not at the time it goes into the dead ball area).
3. When such a wild throw is the first play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time the ball was pitched. If there is an intervening play before the first throw, such as a tag play, then award two bases from the time of the throw, just as in No. 2 above.

There is one exception to No. 3. If all runners, including the batter-runner, have reached their next base before the infielder throws the ball, then it is again two bases from the time of the throw, just as in Rule 2. Remember, there are no cases when the award is given at the time the ball goes into dead ball area. It is either based on the time the ball is released (time of throw) or the time of the pitch.

Here are two examples:

1. No runners are on base. The batter hits a single to right field and makes the turn toward second base when caught in the rundown. As the runner is trying to return to first, the second baseman throws the ball over the first baseman’s head into dead ball area. Ruling: Award the runner third base.
2. A runner is on first base and there is one out. The batter hits a line drive to the third baseman, which is caught. The third baseman tries to double up the runner from first base who left that base immediately after the ball was hit. The throw is wild and goes into the dugout. Ruling: The runner should be given third base because he/she already had first and must be given two from that point.

Check out the rule in your rulebook at 7.05 (g).

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!

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