Day 3 - full moon - things start to get a little controversial. The first episode came in our second game of the day - WA vs AZ. The game started out as one might expect from 2 teams that were 2-0. However, it quickly digressed as AZ started hitting the ball, and WA started throwing it everywhere but where they could get an out. A key play in the game occurred midway through the 4th inning (I think), when AZ hit a dying liner to right center field. The center fielder (who had recently been pulled from the mound - much to his dislike) took off after the ball and made a great play on the ball, only to have it roll out of his glove as he fell to the ground. To many of the fans, and at least one of the umpires (yours truly at 1st base), it looked like he had caught the ball. However, for at least one of the umpires - U2, who had the call - and several other fans - it was clear that the ball had indeed hit the ground. Our partner at 2nd base emphatically made a no-catch call and play resumed. When the play was over, the manager came out to complain, but was quickly returned to the dugout - and the play stood.
Another sticky situation occurred in the last game. We had runners on 2nd and 3rd. I was at 2nd, Kevin was at 3rd - i will keep the other names anonymous to protect the innocent. Batter hit a fly ball to left center, and Kevin took off. I kept my eyes on 2nd base - my responsibility in that situation is the tag at 2nd and any play at 3rd. The home plate umpire has tag up responsibility at 3rd. Well, sure enough, the catch is made, runner on 3rd tags up, and heads for home - safely. The pitcher gets the ball back and promptly throws to 3rd to appeal the tag. The 3rd baseman looks to Kevin for a call - but of course Kevin just looks to home. And that is when the 'fun' starts. The home plate umpire is looking at Kevin. We call time, get the 4 umps together and find out that no one was watching the tag up at 3rd. Oh shit@!@!@! What could we do - we call the runner safe and hope that there was not a blatant miss.
And finally - the answer to the question - when is a runner not out when struck by a batted ball - well of course the answer is after it has been touched by or has passed a fielder (7.08 f). There I was at 1st base, with runners all around, and the infield in. The batter hits the ball between the 1st baseman and 2nd baseman, and i'm looking for a play either at first or at home. But the ball deflects off the glove of the 1st baseman and strikes the runner going from 1st to 2nd - and proceeds to carom into right field. No harm no foul - but of course we do get the yells from the crowd that the runner should be out.
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