A runner is on first base, and the batter hits sharp one out to right field (the kind of hit that slower runners dread...). As the runner is approaching second and thinking of maybe heading to third, the shortstop (who is at second base) makes it look the ball is coming in and goes to tag the runner. This causes the runner to slow down and slide into the base. This would be fine, except the ball is over at first base and was never thrown to second. Is this a smart (and sneaky) play or is it illegal?
The Answer:
This is not a smart thing to do, because this is called a "fake tag" and is considered a form of obstruction on the runner. A fielder who is not in possession of the ball impedes the progress of the runner, and while it might just seem like an inconvenience to the runner, it is not within the spirit of the game. Not to mention it can cause unnecessary injury to the runner.
Because it is obstruction, it is a delayed dead ball...meaning the umpire sticks their arm out and waits for the play to finish or for the obstructed runner to be called out. The obstructed runner will always be awarded the base that they would have safely reached (in the umpire's judgement) had no obstruction occurred. So in our example, we'd have to take a lot of factors into account.
Both teams should be given warnings if there is an incidence of a fake tag, and if it happens again that defensive player should be ejected. HOWEVER, if the umpire feels it is justified, they may eject the player who gave the fake tag without warning.
Moral of the story...never get involved with fake tags!!!
This Week's Question:
A simple (and common scenario):
The batter bunts the ball up the 3rd base line, it's a slow roller that is tight to the line but eventually runs foul about halfway to third base. The third baseman is slow to get to the ball, and does not pick it up immediately. The ball is still rolling, and hits a rock and rolls back into fair territory.
What is the call?
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