Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Double First Base

Question

when there is a play being made (throw) at first base from the infield... (2nd, ss, 3rd)
the first base man is completely on the orange bag, not touching any part of the white bag... when she receives the throw from the infield before the batter-runner touches first base... is the runner out or safe....
the book say the fielder must use the white portion of the bag & the runner must use the orange portion of the bag... unless there is errant throw or comming from foul terroritory... they can use either / or bag... (white / orange)
I would have obstuction on the first base man and the runner would be safe. other say she is out regardless of what side of the base they are touching... (white / orange)
some umpires think it is an appeal play, when it comes to play at first when the fielder is touching only the orange bag...


Response
Rule 8 Sec 19 Para B states "the defense must use the white portion"

There are exceptions but they do not seem to apply in the case given.
Since the first baseman is not on the white portion, she is off the portion she should be on. She is off the base and the batter-runner is safe.

In addition, it could also be obstruction and appropriate awards could be made.

Appeals are made by the defense on the offensive so that would not apply at all.
If the batter-runner touched the white portion, the defensive could appeal that she only touched the white and therefore missed the base.