Out or not?

[pitchcoach]

The catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher, but, the throw is a little high and the ball tips the pitcher's glove and rolls towards second base. There's a runner on second and he' about six feet from the ball.

The ball is still live, mind you.

Situation (1)

The second baseman glances at the runner on second and makes a casual flicking motion with this hand for the runner to toss him the ball. So, the runner casually takes two steps off the bag, picks up the ball, and flips it to the second baseman.

Situation (2)

The second baseman glances at the runner on second and makes a casual flicking motion with this hand for the runner to toss him the ball. So, the runner casually takes two steps off the bag, picks up the ball, and hands the ball to the second baseman.

Is the runner on second base out in both situations - or, only in one, or not out at all.

[jnazz]

Without looking in any manual, I would personally look for intent regarding interference. In sit. 1, no intent therefore nothing there. In sit. 2, if the runner is dumb enough to hand the fielder the ball, and he tags him with control, I would bang him out. I am interested to see others opinions on this situation.

[okump96]

personally i'm not going to call the runner out in either situation provided i actually see f4 do that. i'm going to call time as soon as i see him touch the ball and deal with the coach when he comes out.

[JaxRolo]

personally i'm not going to call the runner out in either situation provided i actually see f4 do that. i'm going to call time as soon as i see him touch the ball and deal with the coach when he comes out.

I agree provided it is rec ball. Higher level the runner should know better than to touch the ball.

[Jboval]

He makes that decision to hand the guy the ball and gets tagged out by the defense and the ball is still live, I am banging him out in leagues where the kid is old enough to know better, or should know better.

[Mr Umpire]

Depends on the situation. Was there a play anywhere possible? If not, I'm calling "Time" as he touches it. Just like a batter picking up the ball after it deflects towards him with runners on. If there was a potential play to be made somewhere, I have INT regardless of intent. If there is no play, I have "Time" and tell him not to do that again.

I had the batter issue occur the other day with a R3. R3 wasn't coming so I simply called "Time" as he picked it up and told him not to do that again. He wasn't interfering with anything.

No play, no out to be awarded in either situation b/c I have "Time" as he touches the ball. If there was a play, then I have "Time" and someone is out due to INT. It may be him or it may be another player.

In either case, there will be no tag play. Either INT or just "Time" is called.

[noumpere]

Depends on the situation. Was there a play anywhere possible? If not, I'm calling "Time" as he touches it. Just like a batter picking up the ball after it deflects towards him with runners on. If there was a potential play to be made somewhere, I have INT regardless of intent. If there is no play, I have "Time" and tell him not to do that again.

I agree. Interference is an act which hinders the defense from making a play . No play -- no interference.