thomasesexton

I am in a discussion with a gentleman on another web site (Quora.com) regarding a thrown ball going into dead play area.  My original trivia question to that forum was what 5 ways a player can get on base WITHOUT hitting the baseball.  He and I agreed on 4 of the 5…1) base on balls, 2) hit batter, 3) catcher’s interference, and 4) third strike past ball.  My 5th was a pinch runner.  His 5th was a pick off attempt with the thrown ball by the pitcher going into dead ball territory.  He claims the rules state that the batter is awarded first base, I contend that the batter is not.    Any input from anyone??

Agreed, ataha.  I’ve seen fielders intentionally drop an infield fly to try and coax unknowing runners into believing they have to advance due to the dropped ball.  But, as you say, once the infield fly rule is called, the batter is out and runners are not forced to vacate the base(s) they occupy at the time of the pitch.