kdh (09/08/82)
The question was: What is the call if a fly ball hits a fielder on the head, and then goes up into the stands? Answer: HOME RUN!!! There is no difference (from the point of view of the rules, not the coach) between this situation and one in which a fielder, leaping up at the wall to attempt a catch, has the ball carom off his glove and go into the stands. It makes no difference whether his head was in or out of the park: since the ball left the park in fair territory, without striking the ground or being controlled by a player, it is a home run. Next one: Joe has managed to get a walk, and thus is currently occupying first base. As the pitcher goes into the stretch, Joe suddenly becomes afraid that a pickoff attempt is imminent, so he lunges back toward the bag. Unfortunately, it was a real pitch, a hanging curve that the batter gobbles up, lining it down the left side. The much bruised Joe, now firmly astride first base, is in its path and is hit by the ball, which then bounces into the dugout. Is Joe out? (Remember, he was ON first base). What about the batter, whose otherwise certain hit was so rudely interrupted. And what of the ball, plucked from flight and banished to a dark and dismal corner of the dugout? For the answers to these and other questions of dubious import, tune in again next time...... Kevin Hunter houti!kdh