Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/10/2006

Question
Based loaded, one out, kids league game goverend by MLB Rules.  Batter hits ball to right side, runner moving from first to second is hit by the ball.  Umpire does not declare a dead ball, and runners from second and third continue moving (as fielders throw ball around) and score.

Umpire sends runner originating from second back to third; run counts for runner who originated from third.  Batter occupies first base; no runner on second because that runner was hit by ball and out. Next batter grounds out in force play at second, inning over.

After half-inning is over, opposing team approaches umpire, who rules 1) ball was immediately dead when it hit the runner, and 2) run scored by runner from third does not count because he was not allowed to advance under the Rules.  When we suggest that 1) ump should not change ruling after inning is over and 2) we ended up losing a baserunner (i.e., the runner who scored who was later nullified), ump says "Well, the next batter made an out anyway so it didn't matter."

As it always seems to go, the game ended up being decided by that run.

A couple of questions:

1) My read of MLB Rule 7.08(f) says that the runners do advance since they were forced (i.e., bases were loaded), meaning that the run should have counted.  Who is correct, the ump or me?

2) Although I cannot find a rule to this effect, I believe that the umpire should not retroactively change his mind and rule after the inning is over.  Once the play is over and the next pitch thrown, and especially after the inning is over, I do not believe the umpire should artificially change what actually happened on the field at the time.  Who is correct, the ump or me?

Many thanks for any help you can offer.  

Answer
Jeff,

First of all, sorry about the delay in answering.  I was out of town this week!

When the ball hit the runner, the play should have been ruled dead, but the runners that advanced should have been allowed to advance one base.  So the situation should have been one run scored and runners on first and third with two outs.

I also agree that the umpire should not have overruled his own call after the inning was over.  The protest should have been lodged immediately, and then play should have continued.  If the league determined that the umpire was incorrect, the play could have been resumed at the point of protest.

Hope this helps!

Brian