Baseball Rule?

[roolz]

Excuse my ignorance as even though I am a fan of the sport from England I have been able to pick up on most of the little nuances that make Baseball the game we love

However something that I have been thinking about (partially related to MLB The Show and something I could do to get an advantage!)

Basically man on 1st, batter pops up a bunt 'fair'... the Catcher can 'catch' it, but instead decides to let it drop... which allows him to quickly throw to first and then turn a double play as player on first dosent make it to 2nd.

I double checked the infield fly rule and I believe this dosent include bunts, so is there another rule that would stop the Catcher gaining an advantage by letting the ball drop? Should the player at first easily make 2nd and thus if he gets caught in a double play its really his fault? Or does something like this fall under the unwritten sportsmanship rules?

Ive not actually seen this happen so I assume something is in place whether it be of no benefit (as the player at first will always make 2nd) or it fall under a rule.

Im sure someone with more knowledge than me can help and I appeciate any confirmation/discussion to finally get the thought out of my head

[livinitup921]

Re: Baseball Rule?

Well actually the infield fly rule does not apply when there is only a runner on 1st. In order for the rule to take affect their has to be a force play at either third or home with less than two outs. In the situation you gave, their is no rule for the catcher. He can let it drop if he wants to and try and make a double play which would be really tough and I dont see a catcher ever trying to do that. I dont think their is an unwritten rule because your never gonna see that happen. Its more likely one of the other infielders will try it than the catcher. Hope that was of some help.

[roolz]

Re: Baseball Rule?

Well actually the infield fly rule does not apply when there is only a runner on 1st. In order for the rule to take affect their has to be a force play at either third or home with less than two outs. In the situation you gave, their is no rule for the catcher. He can let it drop if he wants to and try and make a double play which would be really tough and I dont see a catcher ever trying to do that. I dont think their is an unwritten rule because your never gonna see that happen. Its more likely one of the other infielders will try it than the catcher. Hope that was of some help.

Thanks for your input, so its more of a common sense play to get the out and hold the runner at 1st, rather than risk turning 2 as its unlikely and will at least put a runner at 2nd.

I thought that may be the case, but just wanted feedback from those who have played the game/watched more games than me over the years

Appreciate it mate.

[kehlis]

Re: Baseball Rule?

Yea, its pretty much an instance of the risk isn't worth the reward.

[Tomahawk]

Re: Baseball Rule?

In the situation you described you probably have a better chance of getting a double play by actually catching the ball unless the ball pops up really high on the bunt attempt. Most of the time the runner on first is going to be moving or leaning towards 2nd on a bunt attempt so they don't get forced out at second on the bunt. If the ball is bunted in the air then the chances of doubling the runner off first after catching the ball are much greater than letting the ball hit the ground then trying to get both runners out.

[ELDoro]

Re: Baseball Rule?

A similar play is with a man on first and/or second and there is a sharp line drive hit to an infielder. He simply "catches/drops it" and then turns a double play.

There is a rule against this line drive in many slow pitch softball leagues. (i have tried it)