Expert: Andrew Mullins - 6/15/2009

Question
I saw this today in 12U game.  Runner on first, no outs.  Batter hits fly ball to left field which is caught.  Left fielder tries to double up runner at first, but ball is thrown into dugout.  Runner never makes it back to 1st base.  Runner is awarded third base.  First question: Shouldn't he only be awarded second base?  That point is argued to no avail.  Then, the pitcher makes a legal appeal to 1st base because the runner never returned to 1st base.  The field umpire calls the runner out on the appeal.  Second question:  What is the rule on advancement of base runner(s) on a dead ball?  Is he still required to tag up, or does the fact that the ball is thrown into the dugout and becomes a dead ball supersede the requirement to tag up in order to advance on a caught ball.  I had just never seen anything like this before.

Thank you for your help.

Ed Maurer
(816) 305-9885

Answer
WOW, great question......

Once the ball becomes dead, he is awarded TWO bases because the ball was thrown from an outfielder.  Infielders are one base....

Secondly, no appeal should have been made or allowed...he was AWARDED two bases by rule.  No tag required....So hte umpires got it half right in this situation.....

Thanks, Andy

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