Can he keep his 1B Mitt?

[Richvee]

Just watched the end of the Pads/Rockies game. Rockies have the bases loaded no outs winning run on 3rd. Bud black brings in his F9 to play the infield. He places the F9 in the F3 position, and F3 moves over in between F9 and F4. (3 men on the right side of the IF)

 

Can the "real" F3 keep his 1st baseman's mitt on? 

[Lindsay]

The important question to ask is, "will the real first baseman please stand up?" which is what I'd probably end up titling a case play about this. EDIT: Too late. That's exactly what I ended up titling the case play.

 

Delving into the forbidden part of OBR (Rule 10), we find Rule 10.03(a) Comment, which states, "Rule 10.03(a) Comment: When a player does not exchange positions with another fielder but is merely placed in a different spot for a particular batter (for example, if a second baseman goes to the outfield to form a four-man outfield, or if a third baseman moves to a position between the shortstop and second baseman), the official scorer should not list this as a new position."

 

Yet we also know that in this situation, a fly ball hit to F9 would be an infield fly since F9 is an infielder. Still, the position wasn't "exchanged," so the position should theoretically remain the same.

 

So did F9 switch positions with F3 or not? Sounds like he didn't, which is what Dave Plati (official scorer) indicated by not changing F9's position in the box score. I'd allow F3 to keep his mitt (after all, we're still calling him "F3").

 

Good pick up and good question...or was it F8?

[maven]

I disagree. Why should scorekeeper's convenience be the basis of the answer instead of the purpose of the equipment rule?

Had the batter grounded out, who would have taken the throw at 1B? That guy gets to use a mitt. All the other fielders who aren't F2 must use a glove.

[Richvee]

Upon further review. It was F8. 

[Rich Ives]

I disagree. Why should scorekeeper's convenience be the basis of the answer instead of the purpose of the equipment rule?

Had the batter grounded out, who would have taken the throw at 1B? That guy gets to use a mitt. All the other fielders who aren't F2 must use a glove.

 

 

So when F3 charges a bunt and F4 takes the throw at 1B F4 is now the person that can use a mitt so the "original" F3 just used an illegal device?

[grayhawk]

He's still the "first baseman" on the lineup card even if he is positioned in an unusual place on the field, so I would allow him to wear it.