blackngold29
07-14-2009, 11:43 AM
I was having a discussion the other day about the ways to get on base. I came to the conclusion that there are eight ways *Rules numbers may differ*:
1. Base hit (6.08 d, 10.05)
2. Error (10.12)
3. Fielder’s Choice (2.00)
4. Walk/Base on Balls (6.08 a, 10.14)
5. Hit by Pitch (6.08 b)
6. Strikeout (10.14 f 1)
7. Interference [Batter] (2.00 Interference b)
8. Obstruction [Runner] (6.08 c)
a. Obstructing fielder is charged with an error (10.12 8c), unless the obstruction has no effect on the outcome of the play. (10.12 f Comment)
The guy I was talking to questioned if a strikeout was considered different than an error, assuming that the catcher be charged with an error on a dropped third strike. I knew that it was, but couldn't remember if it was technically an error or something else. So I began searching the rulebook. I find rule 10.14 f (in my 1998 MLB scorebook, which has apparently been changed to a new rule which I cannot find in updated versions) which goes on to state that the strikeout shall be charged, as should a Passed ball or a Wild pitch depending on the situation. This is the only place I can find mention of advancing on a strikeout in the rulebook.
But then that got me to thinking, is the batter advancing on the strikeout or the wild pitch/passed ball? So would that mean there are really nine ways to advance to first?
Which lead me to think what happens if a dropped third strike is picked up by the catcher and in attempt to throw the runner out a first, the catcher launches the ball into right field? Or the first baseman drops the throw? Surely those would be errors.
So I checked my scorekeeping software program that I use for what it listed, and in addition to those three it also lists K FC. So I figured that makes sense, runner on 2B attempts to steal, the thrid strike is dropped, instead of trying to throw the runner out at first base the catcher throws the ball down to third base.
In conclusion it would appear that there are four different ways to advance to first base after striking out (WP, PB, FC, E) Unless you account for, wow if this ever happens, a fielder obstructing a batter trying to run to first, which would technically be an E as well. But then, is the batter actually advancing on the Strikeout? Is he not advancing on the WP, PB, FC, or E? Which would be 10 ways to get to first base. Does that seem right? :D
1. Base hit (6.08 d, 10.05)
2. Error (10.12)
3. Fielder’s Choice (2.00)
4. Walk/Base on Balls (6.08 a, 10.14)
5. Hit by Pitch (6.08 b)
6. Strikeout (10.14 f 1)
7. Interference [Batter] (2.00 Interference b)
8. Obstruction [Runner] (6.08 c)
a. Obstructing fielder is charged with an error (10.12 8c), unless the obstruction has no effect on the outcome of the play. (10.12 f Comment)
The guy I was talking to questioned if a strikeout was considered different than an error, assuming that the catcher be charged with an error on a dropped third strike. I knew that it was, but couldn't remember if it was technically an error or something else. So I began searching the rulebook. I find rule 10.14 f (in my 1998 MLB scorebook, which has apparently been changed to a new rule which I cannot find in updated versions) which goes on to state that the strikeout shall be charged, as should a Passed ball or a Wild pitch depending on the situation. This is the only place I can find mention of advancing on a strikeout in the rulebook.
But then that got me to thinking, is the batter advancing on the strikeout or the wild pitch/passed ball? So would that mean there are really nine ways to advance to first?
Which lead me to think what happens if a dropped third strike is picked up by the catcher and in attempt to throw the runner out a first, the catcher launches the ball into right field? Or the first baseman drops the throw? Surely those would be errors.
So I checked my scorekeeping software program that I use for what it listed, and in addition to those three it also lists K FC. So I figured that makes sense, runner on 2B attempts to steal, the thrid strike is dropped, instead of trying to throw the runner out at first base the catcher throws the ball down to third base.
In conclusion it would appear that there are four different ways to advance to first base after striking out (WP, PB, FC, E) Unless you account for, wow if this ever happens, a fielder obstructing a batter trying to run to first, which would technically be an E as well. But then, is the batter actually advancing on the Strikeout? Is he not advancing on the WP, PB, FC, or E? Which would be 10 ways to get to first base. Does that seem right? :D