can a batter be called out who was awarded base on balls?
by Lex
(San Diego, CA USA)
Can A Batter Be Called Out Who Was Awarded A Base On Balls?
Lex asked: Batter gets a ball four call and awarded first base but; the ball gets past the catcher and is deflected into the field of play.
Batter now a runner on his way to first unintentionally kicks the ball allowing a runner at second to advance.
Can a batter be called out who was awarded a base on balls?
Rick answered: Lex, thank you for your question.
The one way in which that could happen, would be if the umpire felt that the batter-runner intentionally touched the baseball.
In that instant, the play becomes a judgment call for the umpire, and there is no specific rule a coach can argue to get it changed.
If the umpire did call interference, he would call the batter-runner out, and return the other runner to the base he previously occupied.
Judgment calls are tough for sure. Just have to walk away, once you hear that"in my judgement, the runner kicked the ball on purpose."
You can request the umpire to ask for help from his partner; but he doesn't have to do that.
Yours in baseball,
Rick
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