Interference from another field

[scrounge]

I'm not sure what the proper call on this is, but we came up with the best we could. I'm on bases, brand new 16 yr old behind plate. 13-15 yr old rec league game, fairly low level of play. There are four fields in a diamond pattern, with only a walkway between each field.

Runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out. Batter hits a fast grounder to F3, who immediately steps on the bag. F3 holds the ball as R2 hesitates but then breaks for home. F3 throws home and the runner is out for the apparent 3rd out.

But here's where it got goofy. I was watching the bases, so I never saw what apparently was a foul ball come in from another field just after the hit. The ball hit near 2nd base and bounded into the outfield. All the while the real game ball was in F3's glove. R2 and the asst coach claimed that R2 saw that ball go past 2nd, thought it was an overthrow and then went home.

After discussing it, we ruled that the out at 1st would stand, since we didn't think the foul ball entered before that or affected that routine play at all. We put the runners back on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs.

Should the entire play have been negated? I think we came up with a fair and creative ruling, but it was kind of seat of the pants.

[Mr Umpire]

There is no rule for this. If you truly believe the runner saw the other ball and was fooled, I think your ruling was correct for the situation.

[Guest]

This would be an application of 9.01c. The closest rule to use as a basis for your improvised ruling would be spectator interference.

I had this happen once - 1 out, R1, batter hits a routine pop up to F3. As F3 is camped and waiting, a ball from the adjacent field is hit in our direction, at which point the other park begins bellowing "HEADS UP!"

F3 bails on the ball to duck and cover. Our ball drops to the ground as the other diamond's ball lands on our field approximately ten feet from where F3 was attempting to make the catch. I banged the batter right away and returned R1.

This ruling is 100% your opinion. If you feel R2 was distracted by the second ball, then you ruled correctly by returning the runners to their location immediately prior to the alleged distraction.

[noumpere]

Its the coaches job to hold the runner so Id probably have the out stand since the ball itself didnt really interfere with the play.

[Forest Ump]

Its the coaches job to hold the runner so Id probably have the out stand since the ball itself didnt really interfere with the play.

Not saying what the OP did was wrong, but I agree with noumpere here. I believe it's incumbant upon the offensive coach to know what's going on.

[Rich Ives]

99% the coach is playing a mind game with a kid umpire.

BECAUSE.

A ball coming from another adjacent field is pretty normal and anyone who has been there more than 10 minutes knows to ignore it.

[Umpire in Chief]

As long as nobody is attempting to make a play with the inappropriate ball then I have nothing. If a play is being attempted then I would still allow the ball to remain in play IMO killing it would mean punishing the offense. Let it play our then place the runners accordingly where I think they would have been had there not been a play with the wrong ball.