Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/3/2009

Question
With a runner at first, a ball is hit to the shortstop who fields it and throws to
the second basemen covering the bag to get the runner.  The second basemen,
in his attempt to get the runner at first, bounces the ball halfway to first,
eliminating the chance for a double play.  Is the second baseman charged an
error?

Answer
Ken,

The player would not be charged with an error.  This is specifically covered in the major league rulebook:

"The fielder will not be charged with an error if any fielder who makes a wild throw in attempting to complete a double play or triple play, unless such wild throw enables any runner to advance beyond the base such runner would have reached had the throw not been wild."

So, if the runner stayed safely at first, there is no error.  If the runner advanced to second, the player would be charged with an error.

Hope this helps!

Brian