What happens when an infielder intentionally drops a line drive to try for the double play. Son tried it today when the batter didn't run but they called the batter out anyway. Just curious if this could get him in trouble.
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If they rule it an intentional drop and it isn't an IFF then they simply kill the ball and call the BR out.
Thanks. That is what they did. I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't some crazy rule that would get him in trouble. I know he will try it again.
The "crazy" rule, as Michael describes, kills play and rules the batter out, thereby not allowing the defense a cheap double play and an advantage not intended by rule. Attempts to circumvent the rule, while not penalized separately, are known as cheating and in higher levels are dealt with appropriately by they opposing teams.
The following is of course well known to umpires, but for the benefit of other readers, I'll point out that the defensive player may legally choose to not play the ball on the fly. "Intentionally drop" means to contact the ball with the apparent intent to catch it in flight, and to then intentionally let it fall to the ground.
This is a clear difference to the infield fly rule.
This is a clear difference to the infield fly rule.
Jimmy,
It is hs ball. If the kid doesn't run on a hit ball I would think the other team and coach would be more worried about their guy not running than some infielder trying to get an extra out.
It is hs ball. If the kid doesn't run on a hit ball I would think the other team and coach would be more worried about their guy not running than some infielder trying to get an extra out.
To be an intentionally dropped ball it has to be a force situation and obviously in the air. The runners have to hold on the possible catch. Catching it and then intentionally dropping it is to get the cheap double play. On an IFF the BR is automatically out so the runners are not forced, so the ball stays live.
It's a lot different than trapping the ball and then getting a lazy batter/runner
quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
It's a lot different than trapping the ball and then getting a lazy batter/runner
Yes, it is
quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
It's a lot different than trapping the ball and then getting a lazy batter/runner
Exactly. If the fielder allows the ball to hit the ground without touching it, there's no penalty. If the fielder slaps the ball to the ground or allows it to enter his glove and drop out, there is a penalty.
As Jimmy03 subtlety hinted at, the penalty is one in the ear hole or coming at him spikes high. You have to know the difference between competitiveness and bush