Earlier this week I questioned a couple of calls by the umpires at my son's game. I wasn't the only one but the umpires seemed insistent that they had it right. I was hoping someone could clarify these.
1. Runners at first and second, one out. Ground ball to second baseman who bobbles it briefly then makes a quick throw to SS covering second base. The SS takes the throw on the right field side of the base. The runner does not slide and comes in standing up. Throw just beats runner. There is no contact between the runner and SS, nor does it appear the runner was interfering with the ss. Batter is fast and there was no play on him. SS fakes a throw to first then turns and tries to get runner at third going back into base. Our coach argued that the runner into 2nd didn't slide and the batter should be out also. I thought runners had to slide into a base when a force was being made on that runner?
2. Same game....bases loaded with 1 out. small blooper, about 12-15 feet off the ground down the first base line about halfway to 1st base. !st baseman, pitcher and catcher all run to make the play. First catches it but infield fly rule was not called. Our coach again arues it (not sure of the purpose since an out is an out) but umpire said it was not an infield fly because it appeared it was more then "ordinary effort" needed to make the play. I thought any flyball to the infield in circumstances like this is an infield fly, batter is out.
Please clarify, confirm, or give the correct call
Original Post