FIELDING
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, runners on third and first; one out; batter bunts a ball in the air which is deliberately dropped by the shortstop. Fielder picks up loose ball steps on second and throws to first base for apparent double play. Is this a legal play?
ANSWER: When an infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, line drive or bunt with at least first base occupied, the ball is declared dead; batter is called out and runners return to base at time of pitch. The defense cannot take advantage of an undeserved double play while the offense is protected against this action despite the batter being called out (BB- Rule 5, Sec. 1, Art. 1, J; Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 1, c) (SB- Rule 5-1-1, l and Rule 8-2-10).
QUESTION: Runner on first base; one out; batter-runner lofts a fly ball to center fielder who is playing shallow in vicinity of second base. Fielder deliberately drops the fair fly ball, throws to second to get force out but the relay to first is not in time to put out the batter-runner. Legal play? Is the ball dead on this intentionally dropped ball?
ANSWER: Legal play by the defense; ball remains live and in play. The intentionally dropped ball rule is only in effect when an infielder causes the ball to drop (BB & SB- Rules cited above).
FOUL BALL / FOUL TIP
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, pitch nicks the bat and goes immediately to catcher’s chest protector, rebounds and is caught by the catcher. Is this a foul ball or foul tip?
ANSWER: Foul ball is the call. The ball did not go directly to catcher’s hand or mitt; hence, it is not considered a foul tip. In above play, ball is dead once it contacts catcher’s equipment.( BB- Rule 2, Sec. 16, Art. 1,d; Art. 2; Rule 5, Sec. 1, Art. 1,d (2). (SB- Rule 2-25-1,g; Rule 5-1-1, d(2).
QUESTION: A pitch contacts the bat and goes sharply and directly to the catcher’s mitt. The pitch deflects of the mitt, contacts the catcher’s mask and is caught by the catcher. Foul ball or foul tip?
ANSWER: Foul tip is signaled and ball remains in play with no verbal call given. If there were two strikes on the batter, this would be considered a strikeout. If runners were on base, they would have the opportunity to advance during this live ball play (BB- Rule 2-16-2) (SB- Rule 2-25-2).
