Loose ball on field

[Replacematt]

Okay Jeff.  Not being argumentative but your OP said, "Just as F1 is about to release the pitch a ball comes on the field" or words to that affect.

 

That told me that it was potentially affecting play before the pitch.  So I kill it.  Always.

When does a pitch begin?

[Rulekeep]

Okay Jeff. Not being argumentative but your OP said, "Just as F1 is about to release the pitch a ball comes on the field" or words to that affect.

That told me that it was potentially affecting play before the pitch. So I kill it. Always.

When does a pitch begin? When the windup starts.

[Cav]

I'm classifying an extra baseball in LBT the same as team equipment, it should be under control or in DBT.  I see them often near the on-deck hitter waiting to be returned to the plate man.  NFHS 1-3-7 applies.

[basejester]

Using 9.01 ( c), I will rule that when two balls are in play, each runner reaching home counts as two runs. 

[Cav]

Using 9.01 ( c), I will rule that when two balls are in play, each runner reaching home counts as two runs. 

 

How many runs would you rule if each runner were to jump on the plate with both their feet?

[basejester]

 

Using 9.01 ( c), I will rule that when two balls are in play, each runner reaching home counts as two runs. 

 

How many runs would you rule if each runner were to jump on the plate with both their feet?

 

Still two each.  Let's not get crazy.

[Rich Ives]

 

 

First instinct would be to kill it. (I play at a quad-complex where the fields have virtually no foul territory, are spaced very close together, and have little protective netting. It is a major safety hazard, IMO, when a ball or balls are on the field). The OBR does not provide for calling of time in this instance. From the scenario, the pitch has already begun so UIC cannot stop play except for light failure or an incapacitated player. EDIT: FED does not have the 5.10(h) caveat. I would still be inclined to kill it.

I'm looking at 5.10 (h). Source: mlb.com.

5.10

The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls Time. The umpire-inchief shall call Time --

(a) When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar conditions make immediate further play impossible;

(b) When light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires to follow the play;

NOTE: A league may adopt its own regulations governing games interrupted by light failure.

© When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire;

(1) If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an award of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall be permitted to complete the play.

(d) When a manager requests Time for a substitution, or for a conference with one of his players.

(e) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause.

(f) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field.

As pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04 © shall prevail. If a fielder after making a catch steps into a bench, but does not fall, the ball is in play and runners may advance at their own peril.

(g) When an umpire orders a player or any other person removed from the playing field.

(h) Except in the cases stated in paragraphs (b) and © (1) of this rule, no umpire shall call Time while a play is in progress.

Counterpoint: Rule 9.01c

Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules.

MLB fields -- even in Spring Training -- don't have the problem that you're likely to encounter here. The closest thing I can think of is a play when a baseball

">from the Reds bullpen escaped on the field in the middle of play. In that situation, the umpires let the play stand, despite a confused runner being thrown out.

However, since the play hasn't exactly started, kill it immediately. Come out screaming "TIME TIME NO PITCH NO PITCH!" and the batter won't even think of swinging.

FED has a similar rule, by the way.

 

On the play in your video, I am wondering why the 2B umpire did not immediately kill it after the play at 2B. I imagine he saw the second ball on the field.

 

[Thunderheads]

Okay Jeff.  Not being argumentative but your OP said, "Just as F1 is about to release the pitch a ball comes on the field" or words to that affect.

 

That told me that it was potentially affecting play before the pitch.  So I kill it.  Always.

 

Now, if the pitch has been released, then ball on the field and Batter smokes a home run I probably don't see or hear the ball on field and let it go.  A screaming line drive directly to a fielder with no possible follow-on play.  I probably don't see it or hear the ball on field call and let it go.  Anything else I kill it because of the potential for the ball on field to interfere with a play.  Even if in the outfield or dead ball territory as outfielders may encounter it on the way to back up a base or each other, other fielders may lose focus looking at the ball on field and miss an errant throw, step in front of a runner or a base, a runner may step on it, etc.   Too much bad can happen.   The two "let it go" scenarios I mentioned essentially make the location of the ball a non-issue, assuming the errant ball was not near the fielder making a play on the line drive or attempting to catch the homerun ball at the fence.

 

I am sure there are some other scenarios that may come into play but for the sake of your "what if"/"hotstove" rules discussion.  That's what I have.  

 

Let the second-guessing begin!

Makes perfect sense!  I tried to clarify in post #6 .... but what you said here is a nice summary for sure

[MidAmUmp]

It all depends on what about to throw the pitch means. I would define it as he's started his pitching motion, has the ball in his hand and is getting ready to throw the pitch.

 

If that is the case - you can't stop it. Hell, you probably aren't even going to recognize it until he's already released the ball. Just let it play out and know which baseball is the game ball.

 

If not and you recognize it, call time.

[Kevin_K]

If the "real" ball is in play let the play continue. 99.44% of the time everyone knows which is the real ball. The other 0.56% someone will tell the person that doesn't know which one is real that he's playing the wrong ball.

@Rich Ives....Nice Ivory Soap reference!

[Rich Ives]

 

If the "real" ball is in play let the play continue. 99.44% of the time everyone knows which is the real ball. The other 0.56% someone will tell the person that doesn't know which one is real that he's playing the wrong ball.

@Rich Ives....Nice Ivory Soap reference!

 

 

Just trying to get a clean approach to the situation.