[net.sport.baseball] IS this possible? and Error Definitions

martin@aecom.UUCP (Martin Klaman) (09/05/85)

> > 
> > Here's one for you:  Is it possible to have a perfect game where
> > the winning team commits an error?  Think about it...
> > -- 
> > James C. Armstrong, Jnr.	{ihnp4,cbosgd,akgua}!abnji!nyssa
> > 
> How about a fielder dropping a foul ball(getting an error) and the
> batter is subsequently put out on another play?
			      -  John B. Lo Coco
> 

Would a fielder really get an error in such a situation? I was under the
impression that a fielder can only be charged with an error if ( regarding
the batter only ) the batter reaches first base due to the error.  Thus, if
the second baseman misplays a ground ball but recovers and throws the
batter out at first, he is not charged with an error.  However, if an
outfielder drops a fly ball, allowing the runner to reach first, but throws
him out going to second, he would still be charged with an error.  But since
the batter does not reach base due to a dropped fly ball, that would not be
considered an error.
It order to say the dropped foul ball is an error, one must define an
error to be a play in which (again, regarding the batter only) the batter
would have been out had it not been for the error.
Anyone out there know which definition of error is correct (or if there is
another one)?
Regarding a base runner, the same question could be asked regarding the
definition of an error.  If a runner reaches a new base due to an overthrow
that would obviously be an error.  But if a batter is attempting to return
to his original base and is safe due to an error, it depends on the
definition.  If an error is only for allowing a runner to advance, then
there is no error because the runner did not advance.  But if an error
is charged for a play in which the runner would have otherwise been out,
an error should be charged on the play.

			- Martin Klamen

[All the above is speculation and preconceived notions.]

ajy@hou2b.UUCP (R.PEASE) (09/10/85)

Last Sunday (9/8) during the Mets/Dodgers game, the Dodgers dropped
2 foul balls at least one of which was an error.
On both occasions the batter didn't reach base.