Play Situation

[BigBlue4u]

Runners at first and third, nobody out.  Batter hits a high pop fly that takes the shortstop about 10 feet to the outfield grass.  The left fielder then calls the shortstop off the play and deliberately drops the ball.  The left fielder then picks the ball up and throws to second to force the runner from first.  The ball is then relayed to first base ahead of the batter-runner.  While all of this is going on, the runner from third scores. What's the call?

[Velho]

The book clearly limits the intentional drop provision to an infielder:

5-1-1-j an infielder intentionally drops a fair fly, fair line drive or fair bunt in flight with at least first base occupied

Other codes are the same. I can't find any interps or guidance that expands it to "could have been fielded by an infielder" like IFF does (in the reverse) though, Eeen if there were, getting around that explicit "infielder" statement is a killer and an interesting Protest would be forthcoming.

 

Edit: BR didn't run to 1B, did they?

 

 

 

[The Man in Blue]

@Velho found one of those kickers that has always bothered me.  We shouldn't be defining the action by the assigned position of the fielder, but by the physical location of the fielder.  Alas, the book does not do it that way.

[MadMax]

1 hour ago, The Man in Blue said:

We shouldn't be defining the action by the assigned position of the fielder,

Why not? On this situation, with the ball landing, as @BigBlue4u stated “10 feet to the outfield grass”. It’s R1 and R3… the most an even averagely -coached or disciplined offensive team should suffer is 1 out, whether that be via catch or a Force Out at 2B. 
Why the urge or tissue-tug to coddle or protect the offense here?

[jimurrayalterego]

6 hours ago, BigBlue4u said:

What's the call?

Call to batter's Mom. 

[The Man in Blue]

13 hours ago, MadMax said:

Why not? On this situation, with the ball landing, as @BigBlue4u stated “10 feet to the outfield grass”. It’s R1 and R3… the most an even averagely -coached or disciplined offensive team should suffer is 1 out, whether that be via catch or a Force Out at 2B. 
Why the urge or tissue-tug to coddle or protect the offense here?

 

I think we are agreeing . . . I am saying that the ball is 10 feet into the outfield grass, I shouldn't care if it is F6 who backed up and drops it, or if it is F7 who came in and drops it, the call should be the same as the play is the same.

I'm not advocating for one call over the other (you guys got that), I am saying there should be no difference based on the fielder.

[The Man in Blue]

11 hours ago, jimurrayalterego said:

Call to batter's Mom. 

 

Jim, get away from the fence.  Yes, we all know she has a lovely sun dress on.

[Velho]

On 5/8/2026 at 2:48 PM, Velho said:

Other codes are the same. I can't find any interps or guidance that expands it to "could have been fielded by an infielder" like IFF does (in the reverse) though,

Arguably not applicable to R1 without R2 situation since BR shouldn't be double played on but from MLBUM Interp 30 (emphasis mine):

"When an infielder deliberately drops a fair ball or a line drive to set up a double play situation, runners may safely return to the bases they occupied at the time of the pitch. The same application shall be made if an outfielder has come so close to the infield to set up a double play situation if he intentionally drops the ball."

[BigBlue4u]

17 hours ago, Velho said:

"When an infielder deliberately drops a fair ball or a line drive to set up a double play situation, runners may safely return to the bases they occupied at the time of the pitch. The same application shall be made if an outfielder has come so close to the infield to set up a double play situation if he intentionally drops the ball."

👍 Very good.  The runners need to be protected in this type of situation.