What is the rule if a FAN Injures a player

[zahavasdad]

In case you hadnt heard Sean Taylor a Linebacker for the Redskins was Shot (Thats why I put this in Current Events), This wasnt during a game, But

What if a Player was SHOT during a game or knocked out of a play BECAUSE OF A FAN (Dont forget those 2 fans who tried to beat up the White Sox 3rd base Coach) or a Fan threw Glass at a Player and Knocked him out.

What would be the ruling on the field?

[LouGehrig]

The injured player would have to be replaced by someone on the bench. If the injured player were on the visiting team, the perpertrater might be cheered.

[zahavasdad]

I was referring to DURING a play or something like injuring the backup catcher (Leaving the team with no catcher) or the team has nobody else to play (All their players are used up).

[LouGehrig]

Good question. I certainly don't know, but it is a good question.

[Zito75]

If the injured player were on the visiting team, the perpertrater might be cheered.

This especially applies to the likes of Derek Jeter and A-Rod. :)

[zahavasdad]

While it might be seem funny to have A-Rod Hurt, and maybe they would cheer in Philly.

Its not Funny, There have been several incidents recently (Cubs Bullpen??) of Players fighting with Fans and its not so far fetched for a Fan to try or to actually hurt a player during a Play. (Not to Pick on the Cubs, but that might be the easiest place for someone to hurt a player since that is the only ballpark with a direct view of the entire Field from OUTSIDE the ballpark on the correct anlge)

[Captain Cold Nose]

I don't think the opposing team would be penalized in any way. The fan who would harm a player in any way would at the very least be removed from the game and would certainly be prosecuted if anything the fan did was unprovoked. Assault and battery are crimes.

[digglahhh]

My best guess is that the home team would be forced to forfeit. It is the responsibility of the home team to control the fans.

Think Disco Demolition Night and such.

[Mattingly]

I've heard that Sean Taylor is clinging to life right now. My heart goes out to him that he can survive.

As to an MLB game, I would think that if a player such as a backup catcher were taken out of a game, and nobody was there to cover, that the team could ask if someone could be brought back in, such as the starting catcher who'd already been replaced.

I'm unsure if the rules would allow. If it's another position player, then I'd suggest asking one of the relief pitchers to play 1B. Preferably the guy who has the poorest pitching and wasn't expected to pitch that game anyway.

Unless it's a scenario where an AL team has already employed the non-DH thing, I'd think that *SOMEONE* has to be available for any particular position.

[zahavasdad]

I am not sure the home team would be forced to Forfeit

Twice in Chicago fans attacked someone on the field (A Coach AND an Umpire) If Attacking the Umpire is not grounds for Forfeit, I dont know what is

And yes the fan should be arrested, but that would not change the result on the field, and if it happend at Wrigley from outside the field , how can the team be responsible?

[Brian McKenna]

If order couldn't be restored, than yes the game would be forfeited.

First the play would probably be declared dead. Then, the umps would make judgments from there.

I would suspect that the injured team would still have to field a team to continue.

[zahavasdad]

Not Baseball but

Sean Taylor has died

Condolenses to his family and child

[Gary Dunaier]

What if a fan injures a player during a game and it's obvious to all parties that it was unintentional? For example a fan in the first row is so intent at trying to catch a foul ball that's coming down over his head that he doesn't realize the player is still trying to get it, and the fan accidentally conks the player on the head? (Since the ball is over the stands at this point, interference can't be called and the fan has every right to try and get the ball.)

[Brooklyn]

teams always have emergency catchers. if the starter is out of the game, and the backup is injurd for any reason, then the emergency catcher would be used.

I doubt the rules would be any different if a fan injured a player or the player was injured in the course of play. I don't see anything in the rules to justify that

[BigStellyPADRES4LIFE]

I am not sure the home team would be forced to Forfeit

Twice in Chicago fans attacked someone on the field (A Coach AND an Umpire) If Attacking the Umpire is not grounds for Forfeit, I dont know what is

And yes the fan should be arrested, but that would not change the result on the field, and if it happend at Wrigley from outside the field , how can the team be responsible?

attacking an umpire is a public service... no but in all serriousness... Home teams have forfieted games because of objects entering the feild of play, someone attacking a player I believe is cuase for forfeit but im not entirely sure.