[net.puzzle] 5 RBIs in 1 at bat - THE ANSWER

csc@watmath.UUCP (Computer Sci Club) (05/27/85)

Well, I read and received lots of different answers.  They basically fell
into two categories.  The first depended on getting an RBI without
an "at-bat" (ie walk 1st time up, grand slam the next).  The other type
depended on the other team not noticing something.  (ie the runner not
touching the plate or "hiding" in the third-base coach's box)

The actual answer depends on neither of these.  Here's the situation:

Bases loaded.  Batter A is at the plate, batter B is next up.  Batter A
hits a dribbler to the mound.  He begins running towards first.  Pitcher
fields the ball, and elects to throw to the plate for a force-out.
Meanwhile, however, batter B has stepped up to the plate.  You guessed
it.  He hits a home run.  5 RBI's with a single visit to the plate.  The
way I heard it, this happened in the majors and precipitated the
"batter's circle" rule.

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ccrbrian@ucdavis.UUCP (Brian Reilly) (05/30/85)

> 
> The actual answer depends on neither of these.  Here's the situation:
> 
> Bases loaded.  Batter A is at the plate, batter B is next up.  Batter A
> hits a dribbler to the mound.  He begins running towards first.  Pitcher
> fields the ball, and elects to throw to the plate for a force-out.
> Meanwhile, however, batter B has stepped up to the plate.  You guessed
> it.  He hits a home run.  5 RBI's with a single visit to the plate.  The
> way I heard it, this happened in the majors and precipitated the
> "batter's circle" rule.
> 
Wouldn't this be considered interference?  It is the
same as the on-deck batter going out
to signal the runner coming home to slide and
getting in the way of the catcher.  He would
be called out (the runner) due to interference.

I can't believe that the sequence you described ever
happened or could happen  I mean, how about
if the third base coach picks up an errant throw
and tosses it over the left-field wall.  Is tha
a home run?

			Brian Reilly
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