SS Throws Glove

Question
Hey Mark,

We were playing a game the other night (Men's League, Slow Pitch, ASA Rules) and a ball was hit sharply toward our shortstop. As the ball passed by, he threw his glove at it but missed it by several feet.

Our rover caught the ball and threw out the runner who started on first base and was trying to get to second.

After some discussion, the umpire decided to place the runner who was called out back on second base saying it was against the rules to throw your glove. Thus we had the batter on first and the base runner who was on first was awarded second base.

Can you please tell me what the correct ruling on this play should be.    

Thanks,

Phillip

Answer
Hi Philip,

In ASA it's not illegal to throw your glove at the ball (though it is bad form and a stupid thing to do)

However it is illegal for a thrown glove to contact the ball.

There should have been no penalty on this particular play since there was no contact.  Someone should tell F6 that the penalty if he had contacted the ball is a 3 base award, that's why it's a stupid thing to do.

Mark