MLB Rules interpatation.

wilheim · Mar 2, 2004

A high fly to left field appears to be an easy out, but the outfielders are startled to see the ball and a hawk collide. Recovering quickly, the left fielder catches the ball on the fly, while the center fielder nabs the bird. What is the proper decision? (I believe something similar happened to Dave Winfield in Seattle while he was playing for the Yankees. He actually killed the bird on a relay throw during pre-game practice and was booed by the crowd). Is the batter out, or can he advance at his own risk?

wil.

SoundofSilence · Mar 2, 2004

Fan interference?

sherman · Mar 2, 2004

My GUESS would be the batter is out?

PatPatriot · Mar 2, 2004

The bird is considerd part of the playing field, in this situation both the batter and the bird are out...unless the the bird was hit in "fowl" territory...then it would be a "fowl" ball...if the bird was hit in fair territory the batter would be out but the bird would still consider it "foul" play in either circumsicion.

CharlieMaxwell · Mar 2, 2004

Wil- Something similar happened during a Class A game in Iowa. In this instance, there was a long fly ball in the gap between left and center that went all the way to a picket fence in front of a farm. That's where a PIG promptly ATE the ball. The RULING??????

An inside the PORK home run of course!!

Charlie

wilheim · Mar 2, 2004

Charlie - LOL. RULING:

The batter is not out since the ball no longer is legally "in flight" and therefore was not legally caught. The ball remains in play and the batter can advance at his own risk. (2.00-Catch, In Flight)

wil.