ASA Batted ball hits runner still on base
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azsoftball
Whatever
Runner on 3rd is safe and live ball.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
Not quite.
Yes, the runner on third is safe. However, whether the ball remains dead or live depends on whether the ball has already passed the nearest fielder. So unless the third baseman was playing inside the baseline (which is EXTREMELY rare in slow pitch), the ball should have been declared dead, and the batter-runner should have been awarded 1st base. Runners would only advance if forced.
^^^^^^what NC said
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
I should point out that this answer will also vary by association.
In USSSA, azsoftball would have been correct. The runner would have been safe, and the ball would ALWAYS remains live.
In NSA, the runner would still be safe. However, the ball would ALWAYS be dead, and the batter-runner would ALWAYS be awarded first base.
In USSSA, azsoftball would have been correct. The runner would have been safe, and the ball would ALWAYS remains live.
In NSA, the runner would still be safe. However, the ball would ALWAYS be dead, and the batter-runner would ALWAYS be awarded first base.
GrandCherokee
Addicted to Softballfans
Shall I add that if he contacted the ball on purpose, he's out anyway?
Just out of curiosity, what happens if a fielder doesn't move to contact a ball but also makes no effort to get out of the way? I assume it is still possible for that to be interference and is the judgement of the umpire.
eddieq
The Great and Powerful Q
He doesn't have to try to avoid it. He just can't move into its path.
But you said it yourself, it's judgement.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
Are you asking what happens if a fielder doesn't move to field the ball, or are you asking what happens if a runner doesn't move out of the way to avoid interfering?
If the Runner was on Second base. Does the pitcher count as a fielder? I thought in some cases the Pitcher does not count as a Fielder.
Thanks
GrandCherokee
Addicted to Softballfans
Runner doesn't move out of the way.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
The rule only says fielder, which is any player of the team in the field. That would include the pitcher. I think you're thinking of the term "infielder," which is a term that often excluded the pitcher and catcher.
And unless a team's playing shorthanded, it'd be quite unusual for the pitcher to be the nearest fielder.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
The runner doesn't have to move out of the way if they're on base.
NCASAUmp
Un-Retired
If the ball was fair when it struck him and it hadn't yet passed an infielder, yep, that's an out.
Joker
Well-Known Member
wut ?
eddieq
The Great and Powerful Q
If the runner is called out on this, the batter-runner is put on first and others advance only if forced.
eddieq
The Great and Powerful Q
Ah, I get your question - in ASA, it's a live ball if it's already passed the nearest fielder (not the pitcher). If it hasn't passed a fielder yet, the ball is dead, the batter-runner awarded first and runners advance only if forced.