is this an error in baseball?

Question

If a first base-man pulls his foot off the bag reaching for a throw for a close play is it an error. This happened to me at my game tonight but I did not get a chance to see the scorecard. So is it an error?

Answer 1

If the throw was in time, then yes, it's most likely an error, since normal play would have resulted in an out.



In this situation, the error is typically charged to the fielder for making a throw that pulls the first baseman off of the bag (per rule 10.16(a)(5)). But it could be charged to the first baseman if the throw is good but he pulls his foot anyway (per rule 10.16(a)(3)).



Here are the rules (these are from the pro rules, but the rules for scoring an error are the same for all levels):



10.16(a)(3) The official scorer shall charge an error against any fielder when such fielder catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to put out the batter-runner and fails to tag first base or the batter-runner;



10.16(a)(5) The official scorer shall charge an error against any fielder whose wild throw permits a runner to reach a base safely, when in the scorer’s judgment a good throw would have put out the runner,

Answer 2

I'd have to see the play to know for sure. There's a lot to consider.



a) did the throw cause you to stretch which pulled you foot off the bag?

b) did you pull for foot off the bag when you didn't have too?

c) would the runner had beaten the throw even if you didn't pull your foot?



In most cases a) would be an error on whoever threw the ball, b) would be an error on the first baseman, and c) would be a base hit (unless the ball was bobbled before the throw which would be an error on the fielder).

Answer 3

It would depend on the throw and situation. If the throw was a scoop or high (causing you to jump), it will not be ruled an error for you, but a error for the person that threw it. However, if you pulled your foot on a throw that did not cause it, it will be an error on you.



If you pulled your foot *after* the runner was safe, it would not be an error on anyone.

Answer 4

i don't think it would be considered as an error. however, it'll be considered as a hit if you dind't touch the base after you cought the ball. that's not an error becuase the umpires look at it as a clean hit.

but if you remove you feet off the base, than you have to re-step on the base again when you catch the ball before the hitter reaches the first base in order to get him out.

Answer 5

No, it's not an error.

Answer 6

I doubt it