Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/19/2011

Question
It appears on a force play from first to second that the player catching the ball does not always step on second or tag the runner out, throws to first for the out and it is counted as a double play and they count the guy on second as out.  Why?  It is always on a forced play.

Answer
Barbara,

By rule, the fielder must touch the base while in possession of the ball.  The umpires are not supposed to give them the benefit of the doubt as you describe.  I've seen this play frequently at the major league level and in most cases, the replay shows that the umpire gets the call right (meaning the fielder does have the ball while touching the base) but there are times they miss it.

When they miss it, it is a bad call.  There was a pretty significant argument in the Cardinal vs. Reds game a couple days ago over this.  The Cardinal felt he made the play but the umpire ruled the runner safe.  The Reds went on to score a run in the inning and win the game.

Hope this helps!

Brian