Let a ball fall foul on purpose?

[ElTexan]

Scenario:
2-1 lead
1 out
2 strikes.
Runners on corners.
Ace pitching.
Long fly ball hit to deep right foul territory that will score runner from third on a sac fly if caught.

In the 1st inning, you definitely catch that ball for out #2 and let the run score.
In the 9th inning, you definitely let that ball fall foul to try to close out the game with the lead, right?

So, in what inning do you start letting that ball fall foul instead of catching it for out #2?

 

[juliansteed]

Depends on the score. Also depends on what type of team you have and what type of team you are playing. Also depends on the next batter.

 

[redseat]

It is pour reaction to catch the ball if you can. Either... (I think thats who you are talking about) was going full speed and caught the ball

 

[ElTexan]

Depends on the score. Also depends on what type of team you have and what type of team you are playing. Also depends on the next batter.

The scenario is written DIRECTLY above your post.

 

[ElTexan]

*Mods, can you add a "Never" option to the bottom of the list?

 

[juliansteed]

*mods, can you add a

The scenario is written DIRECTLY above your post.

Right, the score is there. And generally speaking I agree with what you say about it being 1st inning or 9th inning. I guess the point I was making is that every situation is different. If the pitcher or a weak hitter is up next (unlikely to be the case in the 1st inning of a 2-1 game) I'd probably let that ball drop every time, unless the pitcher is due to be taken out anyway.

Also at home I might decide to catch the ball in the 9th and give up a run and try to win it in the bottom of the 9th.

 

[molsaniceman]

NEVER

 

[broncosmitty]

Runner on third and you can't physically throw him out at home.... In the ninth.

Game can be tied, or a 1 run lead. Doubt I'd do it in any other situation.

 

[Used 2 B Hu]

Nah, you take the out, because if you don't, the very next pitch could be a 3-run bomb

 

[Fountain City Blues]

I'm all kinds of tempted knowing it's Grienke on the mound- with DeGrom and the Mets BP on the other side.

 

[juliansteed]

Right, the score is there. And generally speaking I agree with what you say about it being 1st inning or 9th inning. I guess the point I was making is that every situation is different. If the pitcher or a weak hitter is up next (unlikely to be the case in the 1st inning of a 2-1 game) I'd probably let that ball drop every time, unless the pitcher is due to be taken out anyway.

Also at home I might decide to catch the ball in the 9th and give up a run and try to win it in the bottom of the 9th.

Oops that doesn't really make sense. I meant to say if it's the pitcher or a weak hitter at the plate I'd be more likely to let it drop foul.

 

[ElTexan]

Nah, you take the out, because if you don't, the very next pitch could be a 3-run bomb

This doesn't make sense. Try again.

 

[kramer1]

The overwhelming majority of players wouldn't even think about it. They'd just catch the ball. It's a reflex. They're not geniuses.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

If you have an offensively starved team you let it drop because you can't afford to give up runs. If you have faith that your offense can bail you out then you catch it. I voted let it drop just because giving up a run is the worst thing you can do.

 

[GeekSportsFan]

LOL.....When I was playing in the Pony Leagues as a kid, we were in an extra inning game and I was playing right field. One out, bottom of the inning and runners on 2nd and 3rd. The batter hits an obvious foul ball down the right field line and I make a kick ass diving catch. I was screwed. Runner from third made it home after tagging up. I was in sports heaven for about 3 or 4 seconds. Andy Warhol says we all get our 15 minutes of fame at some point in our lives, but he obviously never played organized sports.

 

[Used 2 B Hu]

This doesn't make sense. Try again.

Okay, I'll explain it in terms a Chicago Cubs fan can understand: Steve Bartman.

You take the out.

 

[ElTexan]

Okay, I'll explain it in terms a Chicago Cubs fan can understand: Steve Bartman.

You take the out.

If the next guy hits a dinger on the first pitch, then it doesn't matter if you catch it or not. Your argument is useless, stupid, and senseless… like the Mets' bullpen and batters

 

[Used 2 B Hu]

If the next guy hits a dinger on the first pitch, then it doesn't matter if you catch it or not. Your argument is useless, stupid, and senseless… like the Mets' bullpen and batters

Bartman Bartman Bartman

 

[Used 2 B Hu]

Don't give the other team extra outs.

You learn this in little league.

Bartman.

 

[ElTexan]

Don't give the other team extra outs.

You learn this in little league.

Bartman.

Yeah. Little League is much more volatile. So, the logic skews a lot from LL to MLB in that regard