Abbott & Costello = Who is out?

[Mad Mike]

OBR

Situation: R1 & R3. No outs. Pitched ball. Batter swings-no interference. Catcher throws to second and retires R1. F6 prepares to throw home to get R3 who is advancing on the plate. As the slide from R1 begins to conclude, R1 reaches up and prevents F6 from throwing home. Umpire rules interference on R1.

Since R1 is already out, question is: Do we send R3 back to third, or declare him out for his teammates interference?

I looked at a couple of rule cites 5.09 (a) 13 and 6.01 (j). However, while 6.01 (j) addresses double play attempts, I would think it might still be applicable in this play, similar to a defensive team attempting to get a double play at first-only in this case, it will be a home plate.

If we don't get an out on R3 here, while we do not allow a score to occur, we are not really penalizing the interference.

On another interference scenario: R1, with a batter striking out, stepping across the plate, and umpire rules interference-the catcher does not retire the advancing runner. We have the batter out on strikes and R1 out for the batter's interference. 

Please chime in how we would handle the R1/R3 situation above and if you think these rule references are on-point. I am hoping to hear from @Senor Azul too!

[Velho]

R3 is out for his teammates interference. I'm assuming the "batter-runner" language in the lat paragraph of 6.01(j) is what's hanging you up. It applies to your situation though. I expect there is a case play someone will provide (I don't see a precise one in the MiLB manual).

 

"6.01(a) Batter or Runner Interference
It is interference by a batter or a runner when:

(5)  Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate (see Rule 6.01(j));"

 

"6.01(j) Sliding to Bases on Double Play Attempts

If a runner does not engage in a bona fide slide, and initiates (or attempts to make) contact with the fielder for the purpose of breaking up a double play, he should be called for interference under this Rule 6.01. [cut out bona fide slide definition for brevity]

Notwithstanding the above, a slide shall not be a “bona fide slide” if a runner engages in a “roll block,” or intentionally initiates (or attempts to initiate) contact with the fielder by elevating and kicking his leg above the fielder’s knee or throwing his arm or his upper body.

If the umpire determines that the runner violated this Rule 6.01(j), the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter-runner out. Note, however, that if the runner has already been put out then the runner on whom the defense was attempting to make a play shall be declared out."

 

[Senor Azul]

Well, Mad Mike, no need for me to chime in. Mr. Velho already cited the rule I would have used to answer your question. That's rule 6.01(a)(5). Well done, Mr. Velho!

As stated in the 2017 Jaksa/Roder manual, "...a runner is not exempt from interfering because he has become out or touched or passed home plate. Such runner can still interfere and cause the out of another runner."

 

 

[maven]

No, no, Who's on first. The defense can put runners out, but they can't themselves be out.

 

[LMSANS]

14 hours ago, maven said:

No, no, Who's on first. The defense can put runners out, but they can't themselves be out.

 

Thank you, Maven..I needed that.

[Senor Azul]

I read somewhere that they performed the routine over 15,000 times in their careers. No wonder their timing was perfect. Also read that a gold recording of Bud Abbott's and Lou Costello's "Who's on First?" routine is on permanent display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Pretty cool for a couple of guys who never played the game.

[MadMax]

@Senor Azul, there are times reading this forum where I genuinely project Lou Costello’s voice, and implore… 

“What are you asking me for, I’m asking you?!?!”

[BigBlue4u]

5 hours ago, Senor Azul said:

I read somewhere that they performed the routine over 15,000 times in their careers. No wonder their timing was perfect.

21 hours ago, maven said:

No, no, Who's on first. The defense can put runners out, but they can't themselves be out.

 

Maven,

Thanks for this.  "Who's on First," has to be the best written and performed comedy routine of all time.