OBR 5.06(b)(4)(G)
Thrown ball out of play
When a fielder throws the ball into the stands or dugout, every runner gets two bases. The subtle part is two bases from where: from the time of the pitch if the throw was the first play by an infielder, otherwise from where the runners were when the throw was released.
Key points
- Two bases, always — the question is the starting point for measuring them.
- First play by an infielder (classic: wild pickoff throw to first): time of pitch.
- Any other throw (outfielder airmails the cutoff, infielder's second throw): time of throw.
- A pitched ball that ends up out of play — wild pitch or passed ball into the dugout — is a one-base award instead.
In a game
Runner on first steals, catcher's throw sails into center, and the center fielder's throw to third skips into the dugout.
Ruling · Two bases from the time of the outfielder's throw — the runner was already at second, so he is awarded home.
Why it moves the scoreboard
A single errant throw can award a run — the difference between time-of-pitch and time-of-throw placement is often a full base.
Related rules