This Case Play has been completed. Congratulations to UEFL League Members BrooklynUmp, nwsquid, hitit2me, RadioPearl, Turducken, RichMSN, kickersrule, Three-Ballin & Penwhale and fans Adam, js1metsfan, Nate, Unclean & omgahokie for correctly answering both parts of the posted scenario. The correct response is:
(a) The ball is dead and no runners may advance. If, in the umpire's judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the batted ball, the play shall be ruled a foul ball (OBR 6.05(h)).
(b) The ball is dead and no runners may advance. If, in the umpire's judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the batted ball, the play shall be ruled a foul ball (OBR 6.05(g)). If the umpire has ruled an intention to interfere, the batter shall be ruled out and the runner returned to first base.
Thank you for participating in this Case Play and congratulations to all participants, who responded with at least partial correctness. 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 (5/3/12 at 12:00PM). 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=20695123&c_id=mlb
In the bottom of the first inning, with two out and a runner on first base, B1 hits a ball off home plate. The ball bounds up and into fair territory and F6 continues to field the ball and throws to F3 to put out B1. The home plate umpire determined that immediately after B1 hit the ball off home plate that (a) with B1 still in the batter's box the ball hit B1's bat or (b) with B1 still in the batter's box the ball hit B1's hand. 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.
