Rules for the front row

hit and run — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:14:36 -0000

Leading off the fourth inning of last night's (9/9) game, Pujols hit a fly ball into the first row of the stands in foul territory in right field. Some Cardinals fan dodges the ball and the reaching DeRosa. DeRosa caught the ball for the out.

Plays like that happen frequently, and I guess that not many people give it too much thought (other than admiration of the efforts of the fielder). It drives me crazy, though, and I finally decided I should comment. (I'm sure my audience here at VEB is smarter than the average baseball fan and already knows this, but allow me to rant and perhaps we'll educate a visitor or two.)

There's no excuse for a ballplayer to be put out on a ball in the stands at his home field. If you're lucky enough to have a seat in the first couple rows, please remember the following rules:

1. Do not reach over the railing for any ball in play.
2. On any ball batted by an opposing player that is outside the field of play, allow the Cardinal fielder every opportunity reach into the stands to make the play.
3. On any ball batted by a Cardinals player that is outside the field of play, attempt to touch the ball before the opposing fielder can make the play.

In other words, if the Cardinals are trying to catch the ball, GET OUT OF THE WAY! If the opposition is trying to catch the ball, GET IN THE WAY! If the ball reaches the stands, you have the ability - no, it is your duty - to turn an out into a strike (or vice-versa) in order to help the team. Your duty to the team and the many Cardinals fans behind you outweighs the possibility of a cheap souvenir. Besides, the chance to be a part of a play is better than a foul ball anyway, right?

But, you might ask, what about fan interference?

MLB Official Rules 3.16 (Excerpt) No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/game_preliminaries_3.jsp)

What would've happened if that fan last night had made the play, instead of DeRosa, and Pujols could've continued the at-bat? Wouldn't you give Pujols another at-bat if you could? Do I need to remind everyone about Steve Bartman, and what might've happened if every Cubs fan followed these simple rules?

I've been a Cardinals fan my whole life, and have attended about fifty games at Busch, but I've never been fortunate enough to sit in the front row against the field of play. If you are that fortunate, please consider it your duty to help the team by following these rules. I'm surprised more fans don't. Anyone else?

SB Nation User Blog: hit and run

Rules for the front row