Good morning.
I coach a "beer-league" in Korea for foreigners and they all think the scouts were wrong in not drafting them. I hope you see the level I have to deal with.
Well, one smarter player asked me a question and I can't find a specific passage in the MLB book. I only have the one from MLB.com which I think would be the definitive source.
Situation is as follows.
Runner on first, before two are out.
Pitcher makes a legal pick-off attempt to first. R1 is safe.
F1 throws the ball back to the pitcher who misses it.
R1 breaks for 2nd.
F3 is NOT paying attention and does not react to the ball passing him.
3rd base coach, ALSO not paying attention, picks up the ball.
R1 is better than halfway to second when the coach commits interference.
What is the call?
According to the book, as I read it, interference intentional or otherwise is a punishable offense. However in this situation, the coach by stopping the ball is in essence HELPING the defence and seeing as there is no play being made, one perhaps could argue that R1 becomes R2 and the play stands.
Thoughts anyone? Please cite exact rules so I can read it for myself.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Bradley
