I'm posting one puzzle, riddle, math, or statistical problem a day. Try to answer each one and post your answers in the comments section. I'll post the answer the next day. Even if you have the same answer as someone else, feel free to put up your answer, too!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Occupied
Frank leaves home. When he tries to return, a man wearing a mask blocks his path.
1.) What is Frank doing? 2.) What is the masked man's occupation? 3.) Where is Frank's "safe place?"
He left home after putting the ball in play. Sounds like he's either going for an inside-the-park home run, or he is running home on a ball put in paly by a teammate.
The masked man is the opposing team's catcher. Frank's safe place is home plate, which he needs to touch to be safe at home!
Well, you're splitting hairs. You could also argue that 2nd base is his safe place. On most ground balls, the catcher runs up the first base line to catch a possible overthrow of the first baseman. The runner, on an overthrow, may try to advance to second base but get caught in a rundown between 1st and 2nd if the catcher backs up the play successfully. So, I think there are a lot of interpretations based on the limited information you provided.
Well, I still think 3rd base is a 'safer' place to be given how hard a catcher will work to block the plate (physicall safer, I mean... since a 3rd baseman is less likely to block the base).
But, yes, I am splitting hairs here and I do agree that home plate is a safe place to be (if he can reach it, of course).
I also agree that there are many intrpretations available to this puzzle and I was glad to see your explanation to it. I'm sure there are many others out there and that's what attracted me to this one in the first place.
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Frank is playing BASEBALL!
ReplyDeleteHe left home after putting the ball in play. Sounds like he's either going for an inside-the-park home run, or he is running home on a ball put in paly by a teammate.
The masked man is the opposing team's catcher. Frank's safe place is home plate, which he needs to touch to be safe at home!
I agree with almost everything you said, except for his 'safe place'.
ReplyDelete1.) Playing Baseball
2.) A Catcher
3.) 3rd Base
Since the catcher is blocking the plate, 3rd base may be a 'safer' place to be. Of course, that depends on if he is holding the ball, right?
Well, you're splitting hairs. You could also argue that 2nd base is his safe place. On most ground balls, the catcher runs up the first base line to catch a possible overthrow of the first baseman. The runner, on an overthrow, may try to advance to second base but get caught in a rundown between 1st and 2nd if the catcher backs up the play successfully. So, I think there are a lot of interpretations based on the limited information you provided.
ReplyDeleteWell, I still think 3rd base is a 'safer' place to be given how hard a catcher will work to block the plate (physicall safer, I mean... since a 3rd baseman is less likely to block the base).
ReplyDeleteBut, yes, I am splitting hairs here and I do agree that home plate is a safe place to be (if he can reach it, of course).
I also agree that there are many intrpretations available to this puzzle and I was glad to see your explanation to it. I'm sure there are many others out there and that's what attracted me to this one in the first place.