Standing on 3rd base and called out

It's an often repeated myth that being on base is a 'safe haven' for runners as far as being touched by a batted ball. The mlb rule states that a runner is out if (f) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed an infielder. It says nothing about touching or not touching a base.

the runner is entitled to remain on the base, but, he may not interfere with the fielder trying to catch the fly ball. you do not say whether the fielder caught the ball, so my guess is the runner was out for interfering with the fielder trying to make a catch.

quote:

the pop-up hit the runner STANDING ON THIRD BASE

Standing on the bag does not protect the runner from an interference call.

The third baseman in this scenario is entitled to an unhindered attempt to catch the batted ball. The umpire judged that the runner interfered with that attempt and therefore called the runner out.

The exception to this is if the Infield Fly Rule is in effect. If a runner is hit by a ball which has been called an Infield Fly while standing on the base he is not out. (batter is out, ball is dead when it hit runner)

pilsner- Excellant point regarding the infield fly rule exception.

I agree with you in terms that the man on 3rd needs to give room for the 3rd baseman to make the catch. There is one thing if there is some pushing or shoving, you might get an interference call however, you can not expect the runner to give up the base.

Definely a "had to be there to see it".

i find this confusing hes on the base so he doesnt get doubled up if he would be off the base the 3rd baseman would catch it and touch the base then thered be 2 outs so the rule says he should move and get out ??

No the rule simply says he can't interfere with the fielder. He is entitled to stay there but can't do anything to keep the fielder from making the catch. However, if he is on the bag and it hits him then he is out.

Given this scenario (runner on a base, fielder attempting to catch a pop up destined to hit runner).....what is the runner allowed to do; pivot around the area with a foot remaining on the bag in an effort to avoid interfering? Should he just crouch?

He can do either or just lean out of the way. What he can't do is move to interfere or raise his hands in the way of the ball. Anything that could be called as intentional.