State scoring rule

Question
Is defensive indifference an official stat in both softball and baseball? With runners on first and third, I see on the scorecard where I gave the runner who scored from third when the defensive team chose to get the runner out stealing second base, the runner even slowed down between first and second trying to get in a run down, and in fact did. The run down then resulted in an obstruction and the runner was ultimately awarded second base on obstruction.

So, three scoring questions, is it a judgment awarding the scoring runner 1). A stolen base (double steal) 2). Scoring the run as an error since an obstructions is recorder as an error 3). Showing the run scored on the throw to second or 4). recording the scored run as a defensive indifference?

I view a stolen base (single, double or triple steal) as a runner leaving their base on release of the pitch. So if the runner on first steals second on the pitch, and the catcher attempts to throw her out and she is safe at second with runner on third holding, it's a stolen base. If the SS (or second baseman) cuts the ball thrown to second in an effort to get the runner out advancing from third to home and she scores, I record it as scoring on the throw, not as a stolen base. In my above scenario I gave it an indifference rather than a stolen or error, is that correct? Two other factors I considered, the defensive team was way ahead so was more than happy to trade an out for a run late in the game, and the second factor, the run defiantly crossed the plate before obstruction was called so didn't score the run on the error.

Finally, I see nowhere except in the score card where DI (defensive indifference) is listed as a stat, isn't that odd? Stolen bases are, errors are. This matters because of RBI' and earned runs. In my scenario how was run scored, ER, RBI? Ron

Sorry if too long, but these are tough questions...

Answer
Ron,

This is a lot of question!  One of the most involved I have been taken to task .

This first question is the easiest.  Defensive indifference is not a stat like a put-out, assist etc.  Defensive stats are kept on players.  Defensive indifference is not a stat charged to a particular player.

So for your numbered questions above, three is the closest. The runner that scores from third, scores be on a  fielder's choice if the runner at second was put out.  The choice to throw the runner out.  Since the runner going to second made it.  Still scored a steal as the offense forced the mistake.

In the second sentance, I would score a steal, a delayed steal, but none the less a steal.  You made a play on her and she beat you.

Second sentence of the third paragraph is correct.  In the third sentence, you have a steal.

All in all in your situation you have two steals.  The runner going to second made due to the obstruction, score a steal.  


1) On a double steal attempt in a first and third situation
where an unsuccessful but legitimate effort is made to
put out the runner stealing second base, credit a stolen
base even if the runner on third is thrown out at home
on a continuous play.
2) In a first and third double steal credit the runner
advancing to second with a fielder's choice if the initial
throw is to anywhere but second base.
3) In the first and third double steal, credit the runner
advancing to second base with a stolen base if no throw
is made (unless indifference because of a lopsided
score was the cause of no defensive action), even if the
advance was made immediately after rounding on a
walk,
4) On double or triple steal attempts, if a runner is
successful when played upon, all others who advance
are also scored as having successfully stolen a base.

The above is from:
http://nfca.org.ismmedia.com/ISM2/MultimediaManager/ATEC.pdf

Wow!

Tom