(a) B1 is out and the ball is dead. R2 is awarded home plate. Part (a) is fairly straightforward. Rule 7.05(g).
(b) B1 is out and the ball is dead. R2 is awarded home plate. Part (b) is not as straightforward as (a), and led to some confusion. When F3 (with the ball in his possession) deliberately enters DBT, such as a Bench (Rule 2.00 FOUL TERRITORY, OBR DIAGRAM #1), the ball is dead (Rule 7.05(f) is the closest direct citation). Rule 2.00 LEGAL and Rule 2.00 "TIME" specify that a ball leaving the playing area is a dead ball if not excepted by rule. Rule 7.04(c) is inapplicable; F3 did not fall into a bench while attempting to catch a fly ball. Rule 5.10(f), which provides for keeping a play alive while a fielder steps into a bench (herein, 'the momentum exception'), refers to a fielder stepping into a bench in concert with the process of making a catch of a fly ball. The momentum exception to Rule 5.10(f) applies only to a fly ball as specified by rule; a fly ball by rule must be a batted ball and momentum is obtained by being actively engaged in a play (Rule 2.00 FLY BALL). As observed in the video, F3 has made the catch far, far in advance of approaching the bench and is not actively engaged in a play. Furthermore, a bench is the area reserved for (among others) team members when they are not actively engaged on the playing field; any player entering a bench, except as provided by rule, may be considered not actively engaged on the playing field, and therefore, may not be in possession of a live ball (Rule 2.00 BENCH, RULE 2.00 DEAD BALL).
In responding to this Case Play, RichMSN mentioned The 2011 BRD: Baseball Rule Differences. The BRD is an excellent rules resource for NFHS, NCAA, and pro rules. I have added a link to Amazon, which has this book in stock. If you are looking for a baseball rules resource that goes beyond the surface, I recommend this book.
2 Points Added to:
kickersrule and RichMSN are now tied for 16th place in the UEFL with 0 points.
BrooklynUmp is now in 31st place in the UEFL with -1 points.
1 Point Added to:
mtn335 is now in 3rd place in the UEFL with 5 points.
cyclone14 is now tied for 4th place in the UEFL with 4 points.
sachmet is now in 10th place in the UEFL with 2 points.
clement 30 and TonyTheRed are now tied for 11th place in the UEFL with 1 point.
josh7377 is now tied for 32nd place in the UEFL with -2 points.
Thank you for participating in this Case Play and congratulations to those who responded correctly. Stay tuned for further Case Plays. The original Case Play post has been reproduced below.
Pursuant to UEFL Rule 4.f., this Case Play is open for 48 hours from the time of this post (5/4/11 at 12:00AM). During this time, all Case Play responses will remain in moderation (screened or invisible) until the 48 hour submission period is closed. To receive full point(s) credit, you must answer the following scenario correctly, including any relevant MLB Rule(s) and all relevant results of the play after applying said rule(s).
Video: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14442967
In the top of the 3rd inning, with one out and a runner on second base, B1 hits a ground ball to F6, who throws to F3 for the second out of the inning. Thinking instead that the inning is over, F3 begins to leave the field. F3 either (a) tosses the ball into the stands or (b) takes the ball with him into the dugout before realizing his error, upon which he reemerges from the dugout with the ball still in his glove. For each part of this scenario, determine the correct result of the play, how play will resume, and the basis on which you reached that decision (cite your rule[s]). (1pt for [a], 1 pt for [b]).
Consult the UEFL Rulebook for further information regarding Rule 4.f and Case Plays.
