UmpJM

mpackard,
 
The position of the fielder's feet is irrelevant to the call.
 
The position of the ball when it is touched is what matters.
 
From your description, it sounds like the ball was over foul territory when first touched and should have been ruled foul.
 
JM

mrumpiresir,
 
You were correct and your partner was mistaken.
 
You might try the second line in the FED base awards table, which clearly specifies it is one base from TOP.
 
You will not find an explicit statement in the book that says "base awards are not cumulative, but it is true nonetheless.
 
JM

Tm,
 
No, that would be a balk.
 
Once the pitcher takes his "rocker step", he is committed to pitch. (8.05c)
 
JM

BillKen,
 
That is NOT a "force out".
 
The possibility of a force out was eliminated when the BR was retired on the legal  (and spectacular) catch by F7.
 
You have a retouch appeal which is ALWAYS a time play.
 
Score the run.
 
JM

My advice is to let it go.
 
Life is too short.
 
JM

rjt6,
 
If the BU is "inside" (i.e., closer to the plate than the infielders) and is hit by an untouched batted ball in fair territory, we have Umpire Interference.
 
The ball is immediately dead, the BR is awarded 1B, and any other runners return to their TOP base unless forced by the BR's award of 1B.
 
If the BU is "outside" (i.e., farther away from the plate than the infielders) it is simply "live ball, play the bounce".
 
JM

Dean,
 
If the pitcher is removed because it was the 4th trip, he may not pitch in that game again.
 
See the 3-4-1 Penalty
 
JM

Bill,
 
The defense only loses its right to appeal if they initiate a pitch or play before attempting the appeal.
 
Requesting time and having a conference does NOT negate the defense's opportunity to appeal. Under FED rules (solely) they could have just made a verbal appeal that the BR missed 2B once time was granted.
 
Since the runner was not forced to the base he missed, it is a time play for determining whether the runs score or not. Sincvce the appeal was made after the R3 & R2 had already scored, both runs scored by the preceding runners should have counted.
 
JM

Tiger,
 
No, it is never a balk for a pitcher to throw to an unoccupied base if it is for the purpose of making a play.
 
JM
 
Moderator Edit:
The last three posts answer this, but I liked this one best.

kyle,
 
No, no rule code requires a voluntary release on a tag.
 
All rule codes require secure possession through the tag.
 
JM

Yes, the runner must return to his base after a foul ball/dead ball situation. Whether he actually touches it or not is not really material. The umpire should not put the ball in play again until he has returned to the vicinity of his base.
 
A runner is under no obligation to return to or touch his base between pitches when the ball remains in play. It is generally advisable that he do so.
 
JM

RichVee,
 
That would NOT be Umpire Interference.
 
Tough break for the defense, a bit of embarrassment for the BU, live ball, play the bounce.
 
JM