Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/12/2009

Question
I was just watching highlights of the Tampa Devil Rays game last night and I believe the umpire allowed a baserunner to advance because the catcher tried to pick up the ball with his mask.  Do know anything about this rule?  Maybe I misunderstood the runner advancement.  Thanks

Answer
Steve,

It is definitely against the rules for a catcher to use their mask to help them corral a ball.  The official major league rule is this:

"7.05 Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance—
(b) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril;
(d) Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play;"

I didn't see the play in question, but I'd expect the ball was thrown, not hit, so rule (d) would qualify.  The runner would get two bases from the point the play started.  So, if they were on first and a ball was thrown home, the runner would be able to advance to third without liability to be put out.

Hope this helps!

Brian