Be ready when hit with the unexpected.

Caseplays

Defensive Conference?

Play: In the top of the fourth inning, team A’s pitcher is struggling. The pitching coach asks for time and visits the pitcher’s circle. After the conference, the pitcher walks the next two batters on eight straight pitches. The catcher asks for time and visits the pitcher’s circle. Ruling: In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, this is not a conference. A conference is only charged if a manager or team representative from the dugout is granted time to meet with defensive players (NFHS 2-14-1; USA Softball 5-7b; USSSA 3-Conference, Charged). In NCAA, this would count toward one of the seven player-to-player conferences allowed (6.12.2).

Kicked Ball

Play: With a runner on first, B2 hits a ground ball to second base. F4 runs in to field the ball but muffs it. Instead of reaching down to pick up the ball, F4 kicks the ball over to F3 at first base. F3, while touching the bag, picks up the ball with the mitt before the batter-runner reaches first. Ruling: Legal play in all codes. The batter-runner is out and the half-inning is over. None of the rules codes prohibit kicking the ball by a fielder to another fielder.

Fourth Out Appeal

Play: With the bases loaded and one out, B5 hits a fly ball to center. F8 camps under the ball and all three runners retreat and tag up. F8 catches the ball and R2 tries to advance to third base. F8 throws the ball to F5, who tags R2 before the base. R3 crossed home plate before the out at third base. Before all the fielders leave the field, the defensive coach wants to appeal R1 left first base before the first touching of the ball. Ruling: In all codes, this is a timing play and the fourth-out appeal on R1 leaving the base early would not nullify the run. Because R3 legally tagged and crossed home plate before the third out was made on R2 at third base, the run counts. In NFHS, NCAA and USSSA, provided the team appeals properly, it could appeal for the fourth out, but it won’t eliminate the run (NFHS 2-1-13; NCAA 7.1.3; USSSA 9-9). In USA Softball, a fourth-out appeal may only be made on a runner who has scored but left a base too soon or missed a base (R/S 1M).