Cubs / Mets Game

Just FYI:

http://www.monticello.org/site...l-attitude-quotation

Not sure abour OBR - but FED - if 2 runners occupy the same base and the lead runner was not forced, then the trailing runner is out.  In this example, as described, the trailing runner was occupying 3rd base.  The leading runner was not (he was a few steps off).  I have the trailing runner safe as he was on the bag, then the leading runner out on the tag as he was off the bag.  Now the one question I have - is if the trailing runner could be called out for advancing past the leading runner?  I find this unlikely as the leading runner did not turn toward second.  But that would be a HTBT moment.

Just saw the replay...

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/20...icide-squeeze-video/

Mets called for only 1 out on the play.

Makes sense that only the player off the bag would be called out.  It would be the same call if the trailing runner were occupying third and was tagged while the lead runner were in a rundown between third and home.  You can't assume that either runner would be out or safe (as this play shows), so that rule should only apply if both runners actually occupy the same bag.   I suspect that once the lead runner "abandons" his bag, the trailing runner can occupy it, but the lead runner still has first rights to it if he returns.

If anything, I would question whether the trailing runner passed the lead runner (hence making him out), then, because the lead runner was tagged off the bag, he would be out.  I would think that this play should be a double play for that reason, regardless of whether anyone were on a bag or not when tagged, and in fact, the trailing runner should be out, not because he was tagged, but because he passed the runner ahead of him.

I think the rule states that the trailing runner is out if he passes the leading runner in the basepath.  The fact that the leading runer overran 3rd on his return, he was probably deemed not in the basepath and thus could not be overrun.  Now if the lead runner turned and retreated toward second, maybe ther could be a case.  But then you have the issue of a runner running the bases backwards.

I figured that might be the case, and makes sense.  But I really think that would be the only thing that a coach might call into question on this particular play.  

There is an official interpretation for this type of play. Basically, if a runner is returning to a base and intentionally overruns it with another runner already on the base, he is considered to have abandoned the base and is called out. That is why he was called out and R2 was safe at third.

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'd just like it for my files -- where is this "official interpretation" published?

I have not actually seen it. That info came from an Umpire site. Info from another poster, I have not verified this, stated that the interpretation came from either (or combination) of rules 7.01, 7.08(a)(1), and or 7.08(a)(2).

All codes agree on this one...

The trail runner is out... for passing.  No he did NOT pass the lead runner, but the lead runner via his retreat forced the trail into a passing situation.  So the trail is out by rule.  No tag is required.

The lead runner is out because he was tagged while off the base.

So "Yes!" it is a double play.  It actually happened to one of my buddies this weekend but he screwed it up and only called the lead runner out when he was out in right field (on a pickle between 2nd & 3rd) and the trail runner (from 1st) occupied 2nd base.

The coach of the defensive team never argued so my buddy got away with one... until he got to the locker room... where I nailed him on it.  He tried to weasel out by saying that the lead runner was tagged BEFORE he retreated to 2nd.  LIE LIE LIE.  Then he realized he was busted and I wasn't letting him off the hook so he said "Fine, Mr Rules Expert".  He bought me a beer after the game.

Yum.... it was good.  Sam Adams!

Explain to me how the trail runner passed the lead runner. If the bases are a "box" within the diamond, then if I step on the base I haven't passed anyone in the next leg/run of the diamond. It's not physically possible.

Where in the book does it say that a runner can be tagged out while standing on a base? The only wording that exists is that if two runners are on the same base and both are tagged, then the trail is out since the lead has legal possession of the base.

Once the lead leaves the base he's liable to be tagged out until he safely reaches the next base or returns to the current one. That wording exists - an out is recorded when tagged while you're not on a base. It doesn't say "where" - just not on.

Beyond the two players on a base at the same time, the only other rule that stipulates an out is recorded when touching a base is if a player is hit by a batted ball while on a base before it passes an infielder and is not an infield fly.

There is another time a runner would be out while standing on a base.  

R1 and batter hits a sharp ground ball to F3 who tags R1 who remains on first base.  Even though R1 is still on the bag, he would be out due to the force.

Well this situation has happened twice in the last few years at the MLB level. BOTH times the lead runner was called out and the trail runner was left at third base. Those guys are way better than I am so I am going with their interpretation.