Catcher Interference and a Runner Stealing a Base

[johnnyg08]

R2 (stealing), R3 (not stealing)

Batter squares to bunt and hits the catcher's mitt while trying to bunt the pitch. The plate umpire correctly calls interference on the catcher. The pitch is fouled off out of play. The umpire begins to enforce the penalty.

Without wondering why R3 isn't stealing, but R2 is stealing state the proper enforcement below. Feel free to cite any applicable case plays, rule citations, etc...

 

 

[Senor Azul]

FED has a unique take on the award. If a runner who is stealing is trying for an already occupied base where the runner is not attempting to advance, if the penalty for catcher’s obstruction is enforced, the stealing runner is allowed to keep the new base which forces the previous runner also to advance. (8.1.1 N)

2018 FED Case Book Play 8.1.1 SITUATION N:  R3, R2, with one out. F2 obstructs B4 who hits a ground ball to F4. R2 was attempting to steal third, even though third was occupied. B4 is thrown out at first on the play. RULING:  B4 did not reach first safely, so the coach has the option of taking the play or the penalty. If he takes the penalty, B4 is awarded first. R2 is awarded third because he was attempting to steal on the pitch, and R3 is forced to advance to home.

 

Neither NCAA nor OBR consider this to be a “legitimate” steal attempt.

[johnnyg08]

On 7/18/2018 at 3:54 PM, Senor Azul said:

Neither NCAA nor OBR consider this to be a “legitimate” steal attempt.

In the interest of discussion and being thorough, are there any authoritative opinions from OBR or NCAA on this?

I searched the WIM and didn't have any luck. Thanks!

[Senor Azul]

Using my mad BRD skills (2016 edition, p. 206):

OBR Official Interpretation:  Wendelstedt:  If the penalty for catcher’s interference is enforced, runners who were attempting a legitimate steal on the play will be awarded the bases they were attempting to take. A “legitimate steal” attempt does not include a play situation where one runner is attempting to steal a base already occupied by another runner if that runner is not attempting to steal as well. (WRIM section 8.1.1.b, p. 163, 2012 ed; confirmed by Brent Rice, email to Childress, 11/7/15)

NCAA:  Concerning the disposition of a runner attempting to steal an occupied base: Point not covered.

Official Interpretation: Paronto & Bruns:  Same as OBR. (email to Childress, 8/23/15)

[johnnyg08]

Okay, that is not covered in the newer WIM. 

Gotta love the BRD! 

Nice work! 

[Tborze]

Nice post!