Details: Parent Category: Umpires

Batter-Runner Interference and the 45-foot Box Part I

Part of Rich Marazzi's Ruleball ABUA Column

Havent you ever wondered why there is a 3-foot wide 45-foot long box between home and first base but not between any of the other bases?

The purpose of the box is to protect the fielder taking the throw at first base by keeping the batter-runner away from the fielder as much as possible. Why is the fielder given this protection at first base but not at second, third or home? Heres a bit of history.

In the early days of baseball it was common practice for the batter-runner to crudely barrel over the first baseman when he received a throw from an infielder on a routine play. To keep the batter-runner away from the fielder taking the throw at first base, the 3-foot wide 45-foot long box the last 45-feet between home and first was established in 1881. Thats right. It has been around since Chester A. Arthur was President of the United States. It may be more of a baseball tradition than peanuts, popcorn and crackerjacks.

When the rule was created the first base line ran through the middle of the bag. They changed the position of the base, but didnt fix any rules pertaining to it.

In the modern era, the box is designed to protect the defense from a batter-runner who interferes with a throw to first base normally made by a pitcher or catcher.

Infield Fly

Part of George Demetriou's ABUA Column

The infield fly rule was written to deal with a very specific situation a fly ball with runners on first and second or loaded bases with less than two out. The rule dates back to 1894 and its purpose is to prevent an undeserved double play. Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules.

An infield fly is fair fly ball, excluding a line drive or bunt, which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort (NFHS 2-19-1, NCAA 2-47, pro 2.00 Infield Fly). The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play are considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. If the ball is handled by an outfielder, it may still an infield fly, if, in the umpire's judgment, the ball could have been easily handled by an infielder. Arbitrary limitations such as the grass or the base lines do not apply.

Little League expanded replay at World Series

Little League Baseball expanded the use of instant replay at this year's World Series.

The replay system started at last year's tournament to review questionable home runs and other close plays at the outfield fence. The system was used twice in 32 World Series games, but neither review resulted in a call being reversed.