Two outs, runners on first and second. Batter hits a ground ball down the first base line. Runner on first does not run, but remains on the base. The ball hits them while they are still on the base. Umpire declares dead ball and everyone is safe. Bases are now loaded.
Two possibilities, based on the actual facts:
1) if the closest fielder to the runner standing on 1B is behind the baserunner, dead ball and batter awarded 1B, all runners advance that are forced to advance ... OR ...
2) if the closest fielder is in front of the runner standing on 1B, then it is a live ball play on situation ...
We had a very similar inquiry here in mid-August, and B.J. from Florida provided the correct above answers ... Generally, the base is almost always (one rare exception) a "safe haven" for a baserunner in contact with it ... Remedies vary as above, but the baserunner is safe ...
Dave,
I have one for you, earlier this year was watching a game and there were men on 1B and 2B and batter hits a line drive and hits the runner on 1B in the thigh. Ump ruled that even though the runner hadn't left the base and his foot was in contact with the base his other foot was in foul territory so the runner was out and dead ball, batter awarded 1B..
Ridiculous made-up call by an umpire demonstrating his room temperature (65°) IQ ... Very unfortunate when they start making it up on the fly ...
JohnO28, I’ve never heard of a rule like that.
Where the runners other foot was is irrelevant.
Is where the ball is when the runner was struck.
Apparently, uthe ball struck the runners leg in fair territory.
Dave’s scenarios, which are exactly correct, would apply
