Expert: Andrew Mullins - 6/12/2011

Question
Dear Mr. Mullins:  Looking for correct application of the force rule under the following circumstances (Little League game, 7 and 8 year olds):
Bases loaded and 2 outs. Batter hits ball through left side of infield, all runners begin advancing.  Runner going to second reaches safely, but over runs second base.  Runner going home crosses plate. Outfielder then throws ball to second baseman who is standing on second base. Runner crosses plate before ball reaches second baseman. Runner at second is still off the bag when ball arrives in second baseman's glove.  No tag is applied to runner at second, who then safely returns to second base. Field umpire called a force out at second, no run scored, inning over.

I argued that the force was off as soon as the runner reached second safely, regardless of fact that he then overran the base. Only way to make an out on him was to apply a tag. Run should have scored, and inning should have continued with 2 outs, bases still loaded.

Thanks!

Answer
Thanks for the question.....

I totally agree w/ you.  The force was removed, the batter runner was safe & the run should have counted as it was a timing play.  My church team lost a championship game on this exact play three years ago in softball.  We were both undefeated after 24 games & we lost in the bottom of the ninth inning when the umpire (a good friend of mine) blew the same call....

After a week of me continuing to share w/ him his mistake, he finally wrote a letter to the league & my church apologizing....

Oh well, happens to the best of us....Again thanks for the question.

Andy