Baseball Instruction/rule clarification

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Expert: - 5/30/2007


Question
A runner is on 3rd with two outs.  The batter foul tips a ball.  The catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher. The ball hits his glove and rolls toward 2nd base.  The runner on 3rd runs home.  Does that run count?

Answer
Brendan,

There is a difference between a "foul ball" and a "foul tip".  A foul tip is a ball that is hit or tipped sharp and direct towards the catchers mit.  A foul tip is a live ball, and runners may advance at their own risk.  A foul ball is a ball that comes to rest in foul territory, or passes first or third base in foul territory, or is touched in foul territory.  A foul ball is a dead ball, and runners cannot advance.

So, based upon the word usage in your question, if it is a foul tip, the runner may advance at his own risk.  However, if it was a foul ball, the runner must wait for the umpire to put the ball back into play before the runner may advance.

I hope I have answered your question, should you have any other questions, please feel free to write.

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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