Volunteer Umpire Tip of the Month –
July 2005
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! The full
transcript of the session is here:
http://www.littleleague.org/askll/05febsession.aspRemember, 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:
http://www.littleleague.org/umpires/index.asp
Resources
For more information contact Little League International
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