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Author |
TOPIC: Question for the umps |
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| Knight
November 21, 2012
7:44:04 AM
Entry #: 4015234
| QUESTION FOR UMPIRES
A ball is batted just out of play,The first basemen catches the ball without himself going out of play.There is no fence dividing the the in play to out of play.What is the ruling?
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| Green Balls
November 21, 2012
5:49:03 PM
Entry #: 4015445
| If you mean that the ball was not out of bounds but still in play, the fielder catches that ball is an out. The baserunners then can advance at their own risk.
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| Duchy
December 10, 2012
12:34:09 AM
Entry #: 4021430
| Runners on 1st & 2nd, ball hit to 3rd base so guy comes off 2nd and stops to delay the tag. 3rd baseman runs and tags runner with glove with ball in other hand..
Runner continues to 3rd. Called safe.
Safe or out?
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| GOAT!
December 10, 2012
12:16:40 PM
Entry #: 4021523
| runner is safe, the runner must either tag the player with the ball in the glove or tag the runner with the ball if the ball is in his hand.
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| Jets6400
December 10, 2012
11:38:31 PM
Entry #: 4021707
| Safe....... No doubter
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| Cashman
December 11, 2012
1:25:13 PM
Entry #: 4021782
| one out, runner on third.
Fly ball to the outfield, runner on third takes off, crosses commitment line. Ball is caught, runner returns to third, avoiding the double play.
Before the next pitch, appeal is made to the umpire that the runner crossed the commitment line. Umpire calls the runner out.
Right call? Can anyone find the definition on this?
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| StevieMac
December 11, 2012
7:28:20 PM
Entry #: 4021861
| 14 COMMITMENT LINES/SCORING LINE – When applicable (with Commitment Line
and Scoring Line Rules being applied – in all divisions and categories):
A. There is to be no sliding while attempting to touch and/or cross the scoring line at any time.
EFFECT Sec. 14 – A A player is to be called out if he slides while attempting to touch and/or
cross the scoring line, at home plate.
B. Sliding may occur at all other bases.
C. A baserunner who touches the COMMITMENT LINE or makes contact with the ground past the
COMMITMENT LINE with any part of the body between third base and home plate must continue
on towards the scoring line (at home plate).
EFFECT Sec. 14 – C A player, who has touched and/or crossed the commitment line, as
described above and attempts to return to third base, shall be declared out.
D. A baserunner may be tagged out between the commitment line and the scoring line.
E. All baserunners attempting to score a run must do so by touching the SCORING LINE with one
foot or by placing one foot on the ground past the SCORING LINE in foul territory, in order for
it to be counted as a run.
EFFECT Sec. 14 – E Runners are out if they touch home plate or cross over home plate in fair
territory, whether a play is made or not.
F. The baserunner should avoid all collisions or be subject to ejection, based on the umpires’
judgement.
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| Ryno
December 12, 2012
11:37:45 PM
Entry #: 4022119
| What is the rule if a player throws his glove at a batted ball?
I thought it was an automatic 3 bases, but couldn't find anything anywhere...
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| Griffer
December 16, 2012
12:36:31 AM
Entry #: 4022722
| If the outfielder throws up his glove and makes contact and the ball continues over the fence its a 4 base award homerun instead of a regular homerun, now if the batter has the opportunity to hit a walk off homer then as an OF'er i would take the chance to prevent it from ending the game, you never know and then he stays at 3rd and your team is still alive. Of course if there is 2 outs
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| Jim_the_Ump
December 16, 2012
8:52:45 AM
Entry #: 4022731
| StevieMac quotes the correct section. As soon as the runner goes back to third after crossing the commitment line, he is out.
On another note, Section D. does not apply to our league.
“D. A baserunner may be tagged out between the commitment line and the scoring line.”
This is NOT so for our league. In the USPL, a runner may NOT be tagged out between the commitment line and the scoring line. The defensive player must touch the plate (not the mat) before the runner crosses the commitment line.
Have a great holiday season everyone. See you in the spring!
Jim_the_Ump
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| Faux
December 17, 2012
1:06:32 PM
Entry #: 4022939
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Batter had two strikes, pops up a short one between C and P down the line. Neither had a play, runner goes to first, ball was spinning so we let it go foul. I picked it up in foul territory and the umpy says runner is safe on 1st.
I wasn't sure if he was calling it a fair ball (which it clearly wasn't) or what the call was. I calmly asked him what was the call and he responded you had a play on the ball but you let it go foul. So I may have had a pretty dumb look on my face because yes I kew that.
He then said I didn't attempt to throw the runner out and I just let the ball go foul. I said yes I agree 100% that is what I did and the ball went foul so should be 3rd strike. Then he says to me that he is safe because the runner got to the bag before the ball went foul!
Well I thought that one was fairly funny and I have never heard that rule before. Who knows, it wouldn't be the first time a man in blue knows more than me.
So for you rule experts and umps is that a rule and what should the call have been?
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| DAVID M
December 17, 2012
3:59:21 PM
Entry #: 4022975
| The answer is very simple it is a foul ball, I hope to god that this umpire does not work in the USPL, if he does I am embarrased to say he works for me
Dave UIC
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| Jim_the_Ump
December 18, 2012
2:28:41 PM
Entry #: 4023153
| Ooops. I made a typo above...
This is NOT so for our league. In the USPL, a runner may NOT be tagged out between the commitment line and the scoring line. The defensive player must touch the plate (not the mat) before the runner crosses the *scoring* line.
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| Rev Hero
December 20, 2012
7:54:19 AM
Entry #: 4023526
| Our umps are great ... Answering questions in the middle of December ... Thanks
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| Matches
December 28, 2012
10:34:56 AM
Entry #: 4024298
| Playing in a tourney a few years back on a really hot day. We take the field in the 2nd inning and since it's been hot all day and we've already played a game we weren't moving all that fast. Kind of chit-chatting going out to the field and the ump calls an automatic ball because he thought one of our outfielders was taking too long.
We didn't care all that much, just figured the ump wanted to show us who's boss, LOL. But is there an actual rule for this? Need of a warning first?
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| DAVID M
December 28, 2012
11:46:25 AM
Entry #: 4024311
| No such rule exists for an outfielder, but there is a rule for pitchers who fail to take the pitching position in an attempt to delay the game. At this point the umpire will call time an award the batter a ball
SPN SEC 6 (8-a-c)
Dave UIC
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| Faux
December 29, 2012
12:43:53 AM
Entry #: 4024404
| I've had this happen, except the Ump felt the batter was taking to long to get to the box so he called a striike on him. I don't think it is an SPN/NSA/SPO rule, but check your league rules.
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| DAVID M
December 29, 2012
7:19:05 PM
Entry #: 4024473
| The actual answer to that rule is not a strike but the batter is called out. the rule states that if the batter takes longer than 20 seconds to enter the box when it is his turn to bat or 10 seconds to re enter the box after a strike, ball , or foul ball
the batter is called out
spn section 7 3-I
Now to be fair I have been playing and umpiring slo pitch for almost 40 yrs and have never seen that called, and in my opinion has no place in our league
Dave UIC
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| HR Leader
December 30, 2012
12:50:48 PM
Entry #: 4024532
| Just to play devils advocate.....maybe there is an entire other team that wants to play 7. Personally I can't stand wasted time (within reason) when I'm playing. Batters stepping out, pitchers taking a stroll around....again...within reason...some guys waste SO much time. I guess the ump is there to enforce things for everyone.
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| DAVID M
December 30, 2012
8:02:29 PM
Entry #: 4024557
| The rule is pretty simple if a team is trying to waste time by not getting into position and play ball and have been directed by the umpire to play and they refuse, a warning will given to the team and if they still refuse the game will be forfeited to the non offending team
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| MBA89
January 14, 2013
7:38:44 AM
Entry #: 4027097
| The umpire is encouraging you and your teammates to move the game along. Procrastination only delays our drinking time.
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| Matches
January 16, 2013
7:28:07 PM
Entry #: 4027732
| Thanks guys the ball was a fair ball and the ump got the call right. like i said it nobody was arguing the call we were just curious about it.
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| Duchy
January 18, 2013
12:30:41 AM
Entry #: 4027947
| Runner is on third headed home and steps one foot over the commitment line(other foot still not over), and heads back towards third but does not touch third and heads home.
Is he out for stepping over the commitment line? Does he have to have both feet over or is 1 enough to be called out?
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| DAVID M
January 18, 2013
11:47:02 AM
Entry #: 4027988
| Once the runner steps over or on the commit line
he must continue towards home plate, if he makes one step back towards 3rd base he will be called out immediately. Only 1 foot has to cross the line not 2
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| Korky
January 19, 2013
12:44:22 AM
Entry #: 4028121
| step over the line and thats it, even just one foot. you only need one foot over the home plate line, first base etc. to be safe......... likewise for the commit line. you crossed the line.
Only way I can see this argued is if your guy put the brakes on BEFORE the line and slide over it trying to get traction to go back to 3B
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| Rev Hero
January 21, 2013
8:36:05 PM
Entry #: 4028561
| Agree with everything above. One question I have is what if you have to go back and tag up?
Example: 1 out, man on 3rd. Long fly ball hit and runner from third takes off thinking there are 2 out, passes the line and then realizes there is only 1 out. So he goes back to third and tags up then makes it home.
Run or out?
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 22, 2013
9:50:07 AM
Entry #: 4028636
| As Dave said, once the runner steps over or on the commit line he must continue towards home plate, if he makes one step back towards 3rd base he will be called out immediately. Even on a tag up.
Hope this helps,
Jim
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| Guy Smiley
January 23, 2013
7:37:12 AM
Entry #: 4028846
| What is the rule regarding sliding into 1st base? I was told on the weekend that it was an out. I have witness people slid into one numerous times when it was a close play... as i understand, if you slide into 1, it can only be head first... but like i stated just wondering if anyone on here has the official rule.
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| DAVID M
January 24, 2013
11:31:24 AM
Entry #: 4029190
| This is not an out, the only base u cannot slide into is the scoring line at home plate, but I would not recommend sliding into 1st base, depending where the umpire is situated on the field he may get blocked out by the slide where the hands touch the base, much easier for him to see the runner as he touches the base with his feet, just an umpires opinion
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 26, 2013
9:11:20 AM
Entry #: 4029609
| Plus, I’ve seen WAY too many hand injuries sliding head first into 1B. Best to run through the orange bag.
On a somewhat related topic, another thing that causes injuries at 1B is first basemen running across their white portion of the bag and then over the orange bag when they are making a play unassisted. It’s obviously perfect legal, but it’s a train wreck waiting to happen. Better techniques involve either running through the white base even with and along the baseline, or if your motion takes you at an angle that doesn’t allow this, then you should perhaps slide into first base. I know it may look goofy having a first baseman slide into first, but on close plays, it can avoid a collision of 2 players at the 1B bags.
Anyway, my 2 cents (from a long-retired first baseman).
See you in the Spring!
Jim
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| Matches
January 29, 2013
12:13:49 AM
Entry #: 4030081
| Last summer we played in a tourney against a pitcher, who was litterly 3 or 4 feet away from 2nd base.. when I asked the umpire about it, he told me he doesn't care and to get my rule book out. I suggested to blue that he's probably allowed like 6 feet behind the mound, but pitching from where he was was ridiculous. He disagree, do we have a rule to cover this?
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| DAVID M
January 29, 2013
12:50:56 PM
Entry #: 4030144
| The actual pitching distance for SPN is 50 to 65 feet and u can pitch anywhere between these distances, but USPL has a house rule where the rubber is placed at 50 feet and the pitcher would be allowed to go back 3-4 feet for safety purposes, but not as far back as what was proposed in ur question
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 30, 2013
2:01:19 PM
Entry #: 4030382
| All I’ll say is that sometimes, from the perspective of someone in the batter’s box, it can look like a pitcher is pitching from pretty deep. It’s not always so.
The distance from the back tip of home plate all the way to second base is about 92 feet. So for the pitcher to be ‘3 or 4 feet away from 2nd base’, he’d be pitching at 88 feet. Not only is this against the rules of softball, but likely the laws of science as well (as I doubt he could pitch with moderate speed and no more than a 12 arc, and yet still get the ball to home plate.)
Jim
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| Matches
February 2, 2013
2:48:18 PM
Entry #: 4030883
| Whats the ruling on this...
No outs, runner on first.
batter hits a deep fly ball foul and is caught for the out. Runner tags and is 1/2 way to second when the fielder runs out of bounds.
Does the runner get 2nd only or 3rd base as well.
I thought the rule was next advancing base +1. Questioned the ump who said that is only if it's thrown out of bounds....?
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 4, 2013
4:55:42 PM
Entry #: 4031245
| The umpire was correct. On that tag-up play, if the defender himself goes out of play carrying the ball, the runner advances just one base. (Unless the action was deemed intentional, then it’s two bases, but this is rarely ever called.)
On a throw that goes out of play, the runner advances two bases (from the time of the throw, not the time that the ball goes out of play).
Hope this helps,
Jim
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| Korky
February 17, 2013
6:43:32 PM
Entry #: 4033480
| The situation is a pop up in foul territory just behind a right handed batter. If the batter does not move at all from the box, is it interference if the catcher makes contact with him (or potentially could have) while making an attempt to play the ball???
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 18, 2013
9:29:06 AM
Entry #: 4033561
| The hitter in the batter’s box cannot magically disappear. As long as he does intentionally interfere with the foul pop-up play, it is ‘no call’.
Where you see this play a little more often is on pop-ups down the first base line. Whether fair or foul, the batter’s responsibility is to avoid getting in the way of the defender making a play, even if it means running out of the baseline. If the batter interferes with the defender (and that can be contact with the player or making him alter his path to the ball), the batter is out and the ball is dead.
Hope this helps,
Jim
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| Mara
March 3, 2013
7:48:30 AM
Entry #: 4036499
| Runner is running from 2nd to 3rd. 2nd basemen throws ball from 2nd towards
3rd base. The runner puts his hands above head to put behind his head to protect himself, but about 2 feet above his head(he is tall) the ball hits his hands on the way down. He is a very honest player..... He gets called out for interfeance.
Correct Call?
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 3, 2013
10:05:02 AM
Entry #: 4036514
| If the guy puts his hands up to protect his head, I’m not calling interference. If the hands go 2 feet above his head and the ball hits his hands, that would likely result in an interference call.
See you in May...
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| Bigpappi
March 5, 2013
7:19:23 AM
Entry #: 4036924
| One out.....Bases Loaded, ground ball to 3rd....our guy picks it up touches third for the out throws to second for the force(with a small bobble by the second basemen) and 3rd out of the inning. Before the force is made at second the runner crosses home plate.
Call was, 3rd out was a force(double) play runner does not count....Correct?
This is the best section of this forum, very educational.
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 5, 2013
6:15:29 PM
Entry #: 4037104
| As long as it is the same continuous playing action, no run can be scored when the final out is a force out. It doesn’t matter when the runner crosses the scoring line. Also, it doesn’t have to be a tag of the base for the force out, the forced runner can be tagged out before reaching the base.
So as you describe it, the call is correct.
I should point out that an appeal play (appeal play meaning the call is made at the request of the defensive team after the play is over) *may* also be a force play. For example, with runners on first and third and two out, the batter gets a hit but the runner from first misses second base on the way to third. After a proper appeal, this runner will be called out. This is a force out because the runner was out for failing to touch a base to which he was forced to go to next this force out is the third out and thus the run would not score. However, I can tell you that most appeals are not force plays, because appeals usually do not involve a forced runner.
Hope all this helps.
Jim
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| HR Leader
March 8, 2013
10:19:41 AM
Entry #: 4037714
| Runners on 1st & 2nd, ball hit to 3rd base so guy comes off 2nd and stops to delay the tag. 3rd baseman runs and tags runner with glove with ball in other hand..
Runner continues to 3rd. Called safe.
Safe or out?
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 9, 2013
10:24:21 AM
Entry #: 4037897
| Wow, you guys are thirsty for some rules knowledge. In the end though, it’s helps us all if everyone has a better understanding of the rules.
If you tag a runner with an empty glove (meaning the ball is in your other hand), he is not out. You must tag him with either the ball in your hand or your glove with the ball in it. So in the case you presented, the runner was safe and it was a correct call.
Do not confuse this with tagging a base for a force out. You can use any part of your body (hand, foot, empty glove, whatever) to tag a bag for a force out. The ball must be securely in hand or in glove when this happens.
All the best guys. See you in less than 2 months.
Jim
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| Anchor
March 10, 2013
12:10:55 PM
Entry #: 4038036
| Why appeal, it is usually a waste of time.
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| Hard Express
March 11, 2013
7:35:07 AM
Entry #: 4038215
| What is the correct ruling on the play? Watching a game and there was an argument about the ruling the umpire made.
Bases loaded with 1 out. Batter hits a ball to 3rd, 3rd basemen touches third to force out runner on second. 3rd basemen then throws the ball home overthrowing the catcher but the runner had went back without crossing the line. Catcher picks up the ball and tosses back to the pitcher, umpire calls "TIME". The 3rd basemen then realizes that the runner who was on first, as well as the batter are both standing on first base. Pitcher touches 2nd base, runner is called out.
Personally I would call the runner out for the brain fart in not advancing on the ground ball, but is the rule not that once "Time" has been called play is dead and no outs can be made after the fact?
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 11, 2013
9:35:34 AM
Entry #: 4038236
| First of all, let me address Anchor. All the guys in red hats are trying their best out there. Yes, appeals are rare, especially in our USPL regular season games when there is 1 umpire who has lots to keep his eyes on. Appeals are more common in tournament games and playoff games where more than 1 umpire is used. Anyway, all I’m trying to do here is hope that you better understand the rules in all situations.
For Hard Express’s scenario, that’s a tough one. It appears that there were a couple of brain farts. The runner on 1st for not advancing, and the umpire for calling time early. But you’re right, once time has been called, there can’t be any further action. So I guess I’d place the runners and 2nd and 1st, along with the original runner at 3rd, suck it up, learn from my mistake, and hope for the best.
Just another point. The smartest guy out there was the runner at 3rd. So many times, I see a situation where the runner slowly jogs home after the 3rd baseman tags the base. It’s usually an easy double play. The better move for the runner is to do what was done in this example. Do not cross the commit line since the force has been removed, turn around and return to the base.
Anyway, that’s my two cents.
Jim
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| Duchy
March 12, 2013
5:42:23 PM
Entry #: 4038679
| I think if anything, the Umpire messed that one up!!... He called time a bit pre mature and didnt let the play end. I dont know what level of ball it was, or how much ball the person has played... but maybe once they heard the umpire call time, they assumed they couldnt go anywhere!.. If anything the Umpire messed up that call... But i guess since they threw to second and he realized that someone was supposed to be there, he cant NOT call them out cause well, they are!.. And im not totally sure on this... But once Time is called, you can no longer advance, and since you can no longer advance, you cannot get an out! when time is called im pretty sure the play is dead!
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| Knight
March 14, 2013
7:46:27 AM
Entry #: 4039065
| This is the best tread in this forum. Thanks to Dave and Jim for the feedback. It is very informative. It speaks to the quality of both players and officials in this league.
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| Fureza
March 17, 2013
7:02:19 PM
Entry #: 4039803
| agreed...........what a valuable resource of knowledge, thanks to the men in blue.
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| Matches
March 19, 2013
10:39:05 PM
Entry #: 4040373
| The situation is a pop up in foul territory just behind a right handed batter. If the batter does not move at all from the box, is it interference if the catcher makes contact with him (or potentially could have) while making an attempt to play the ball???
Saw it happen in a game about three years ago.
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 20, 2013
8:35:08 AM
Entry #: 4040433
| We covered this on a Feb 18 post. See above.
The hitter in the batter’s box cannot magically disappear. As long as he does intentionally interfere with the foul pop-up play, it is ‘no call’.
I used to see 'batter's interference' a lot more when I umpired fastpitch. With stealing involved, the onus is on the batter to allow a catcher to make a play or throw. But in slo-pitch, it's a different story.
Jim
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| Moulton
March 21, 2013
11:10:41 PM
Entry #: 4040988
| Runner is on third headed home and steps one foot over the commitment line(other foot still not over), and heads back towards third but does not touch third and heads home.
Is he out for stepping over the commitment line? Does he have to have both feet over or is 1 enough to be called out?
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| DAVID M
March 22, 2013
11:48:28 AM
Entry #: 4041095
| Once the runner steps on or over the commit line
and starts to return to 3rd base the runner will be called out immediatley by the umpire, if the runner continues to run to 3rd base once he is called out and forces the defensive team to make a throw to the base the other runners on the bases are put in jeopardy to also be called out since that runner on 3rd base continued to run the bases after being called out
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| Larry))
April 18, 2013
7:17:02 AM
Entry #: 4048354
| Hey, can someone fill me in on this BS hat rule that says I cant wear it backwards?
I've almost been kicked out of tourneys for this. The only explanation I get was.... that its disrespectful to major league players, a joke.
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| Bigpappi
April 20, 2013
11:12:39 AM
Entry #: 4048944
| If you want to wear your hat backwards to play then just play in small town bush tourneys. If you want to play sanctioned or decent league like the USPL, then turn it around and respect the game. Do you wear your hat to eat also. If I did that and my grandfather would still be alive he would slap me so hard I would cry like a baby.
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| Rev Hero
April 23, 2013
7:15:25 AM
Entry #: 4049729
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What is the correct ruling on the play? Watching a game and there was an argument about the ruling the umpire made.
Bases loaded with 1 out. Batter hits a ball to 3rd, 3rd basemen touches third to force out runner on second. 3rd basemen then throws the ball home overthrowing the catcher but the runner had went back without crossing the line. Catcher picks up the ball and tosses back to the pitcher, umpire calls "TIME". The 3rd basemen then realizes that the runner who was on first, as well as the batter are both standing on first base. Pitcher touches 2nd base, runner is called out.
Personally I would call the runner out for the brain fart in not advancing on the ground ball, but is the rule not that once "Time" has been called play is dead and no outs can be made after the fact?
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| Jim_the_Ump
April 23, 2013
8:38:44 AM
Entry #: 4049742
| Check March 11 posts for the response to this question...
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| Rev Hero
April 24, 2013
7:12:33 PM
Entry #: 4050404
| Thanks Jim.
First rule in question: Infield fly.
The most confusing rule......
Everyone knows about the part where at least runners at 1st & 2nd with less than 2 out, but the part that gets messed up is when its actually considered an infield fly.
The rule states playable by an infielder. Meaning it has to be reasonable for the infielder to make a routine catch. This does NOT mean that it must stay on the infield. If your SS is mad fast and could easily make the catch half way into CF, that could be called IF Fly.
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| Jim_the_Ump
April 25, 2013
10:33:49 AM
Entry #: 4050565
| The Infield Fly Rule (IFR) is one of the toughest for an umpire to judge (especially just one ump). Whether or not a player can make the play, with ordinary effort, is really hard to decide. And often, there’s only a few seconds for an umpire to make that decision.
You see, ordinary effort could be different depending on the circumstances. Weather, wind, lighting, positioning of the defense, and the abilities of the players involved in the play all must be taken into account. As an example, the IFR in a MLB game might not be one a USPL game due to the ability of the players involved.
And just another point of clarification. If an infielder retreats to the outfield in an effort to catch a fly ball, the IFR may be invoked because the ball could have been caught by the infielder. Similarly, the IFR may also be called if an outfielder runs into the infield to catch a fly ball, if it could have been caught by any infielder with ordinary effort.
Hope all this helps,
Jim
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| Matches
April 26, 2013
6:15:44 PM
Entry #: 4051014
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Howdy y'all,
While playing SS, I had a crisp 1-hopper right into my mitt...sharp throw to my 2Bman who turned to throw to first...and nailed the runner (heading to second) with the throw.
What is the call???
The runner made no effort to get out of the way, and was only half-way to 2nd...plus he (the runner) put his hands up just, slightly, above his head (the ball hit his hand). I talked to the ump (which was carded) and his interpretation was that the runner was protecting his face...even though his hand was 6 inches above his head!
WHATS THE CALL BLUE?!?!
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| Jim_the_Ump
April 27, 2013
12:37:39 PM
Entry #: 4051130
| Once again, this is a tough call for the umpire. There are lots of moving parts for the ump to keep an eye on in this play, including watching the force out, checking on the runner going from first to second, and then pivoting back to make sure the call is correct at first base.
Let me also say that this a judgment call by the umpire, and what I see may be different what another umpire sees. But typically, in my experience, I give the benefit to the runner. Unless he’s running with waving arms held very high, or sliding into second well away from the bag in order to take out the defender, I’m usually going to rule no interference. If there’s true intent to interfere, I’m going to call it. But you can’t expect a runner to just disappear from the baseline.
Anyway, hope this helps. See you out on the diamond next week.
Jim
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| Matches
April 29, 2013
7:12:59 AM
Entry #: 4051500
| Thanks
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| Trust Me!
May 1, 2013
12:44:07 AM
Entry #: 4052414
| Sounds very logical when you put it that way. I know of a SS that put a ball through a guys arm and broke it severely because the runner didnt make any attempt at getting out of the way. He literally tried to throw the ball through the runner. Not worth it in my eyes.
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| Jim_the_Ump
May 1, 2013
9:07:02 AM
Entry #: 4052473
| Just as a final follow-up to this issue of runners going into second base, I’d point out that absolutely no play in the world is so important that it’s worth someone getting hurt. The USPL is a fun, competitive league, with some really good ball players. But no one is getting paid to play, and it’s not for the Championship of the Universe.
Runners, getting hurt is not worth trying to break up a double play. Can you imagine breaking an arm, or getting a concussion from taking a throw in the head? You’d be out of action for months, and for what? To try and save one out in a regular season game during the early part of the season?? Unless it’s a close play (where you slide hard in to second base), my advice is to get out of the way.
On the other hand, middle infielders, throwing at a runner coming from first base to send a message to “get out of the way” might be appropriate at some levels of ball, but I think you need to give some guys a break. It takes just a fraction of a moment to alter your positioning at second base so that you’re throwing around a runner (rather than through him), so why not do that instead. Do you really want to be part of the reason that a guy is out of action for a long time? Again, especially in a regular season game early in the season, is it *THAT* important to get one extra out??
Anyway, just my two cents.
Guys, here’s hoping for a safe, competitive and fun season for 2013. See you at the ballpark.
Jim
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| Matches
May 3, 2013
7:32:01 AM
Entry #: 4053284
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In a games last year, a batter from the other team ran to and touch first while still holding the bat.A player question the ump about touching the base while he still had the bat in his hand and the ump said it is legal.Did the ump make the right call?
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| Jim_the_Ump
May 4, 2013
9:58:41 PM
Entry #: 4053681
| Err, the umpire was incorrect. As soon as the player touched first base holding the bat, he would be called out.
Jim
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| Matches
May 6, 2013
7:27:39 AM
Entry #: 4054005
| Bravo! This is the most educational thing on this forum. Thanks for all the questions and thanks to Jim and Dave for the answers.
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| Rev Hero
June 10, 2013
7:19:29 AM
Entry #: 4064470
| A note to people who play in weekend tournaments. Taking SLO-PITCH seriously, & arguing calls, indicates a psychological impairment. Relax and enjoy the game.
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| Faux
June 26, 2013
8:06:00 PM
Entry #: 4069293
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Thought I would throw this topic out there to see your reactions. I recently was in a tourney and the umpiring was pretty terrible for both teams. Inconsistent strike zone, blatantly blown calls on the bases. Of course in the heat of the moment people react differently then they would if they were watching in the stands. How do you handle bad umpiring? The USPL guys are good.
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| Bigpappi
June 27, 2013
7:10:06 AM
Entry #: 4069377
| I try to keep calm and just talk to the ump when I can. No point in freaking out on the guy over a bad call cause more than likely he knows he made a mistake and you may get a call in your favour later. Screaming at the guy and acting like an ass will only hurt your chances of getting any calls at all.
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| HR Leader
July 2, 2013
5:29:39 PM
Entry #: 4070802
| Question ~ if the ball has to hit the plate to be a strike ~ batted ball hits the plate and rolls fair, deadball strike or fair ball?
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| DAVID M
July 3, 2013
7:08:15 AM
Entry #: 4070884
| FAIR
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 3, 2013
8:24:01 AM
Entry #: 4070890
| And just an interesting note. Home plate (like every other base) is in FAIR territory. If a batted ball were to come to rest on top of the plate, it would be a considered a fair ball.
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| Mara
July 4, 2013
8:03:33 AM
Entry #: 4071103
| How about this one?
The ball is hit right back up the middle, Runner leaves on contact but the pitcher catches it. Pitcher tries to throw the ball to first but overthrows it and the ball goes out of play.
Where does the runner on 1st end up? 2nd or 3rd?
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| Tarheel
July 4, 2013
8:28:13 AM
Entry #: 4071113
| Runner ends up on second.
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 4, 2013
8:37:56 AM
Entry #: 4071114
| Forget about what your T-ball coach told you about “You get 1+1” or “If you’re running back towards a base, you can only move up 1 more base”. Those are both myths.
The award is *ALWAYS* two bases. If it’s a normal play by an infielder, it’s two bases from the when the ball was pitched. If it’s a throw from an outfielder, it’s two bases from the time the OF’er threw the ball. So in your example, because the pitcher is an infielder, the runner would get two bases from the time of pitch which means he would end up on 3B.
Remember, the moment when the ball actually goes out of play has *NO* impact on the decision. It is solely based on placing runners from the Time of Pitch/Time of Throw.
Hope this helps. I know it’s a little complicated, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask me, Dave, Dana or Dean.
Have a fun season guys!
Jim
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| Mara
July 5, 2013
9:04:14 AM
Entry #: 4071247
| Thanks for the answer.
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 17, 2013
2:07:09 PM
Entry #: 4074364
| Since there have been no questions lately, I thought I’d bring up something that I see every once in a while that you all should be aware of.
I’ve seen a couple instances of Coach’s Interference this year, so I’d caution all you wanna-be-awesome base coaches to keep your hands to yourself and off any of your runners. I usually see this at 3rd base, where a coach assists a runner after he’s rounded the bag... either by helping him stop, helping him if he’s tripped and fallen, or by giving him a little boost to continue on towards home. Certainly, there can be incidental contact (and yes, you can give a guy a high-five)... that is not what umpires are looking for. What’s a big no-no is when a base coach reaches out to physically help a runner... if that happens, then usually that runner is going to be called out.
Hope this helps.
Play safe, and have fun everyone.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Bigpappi
July 22, 2013
6:44:51 AM
Entry #: 4075456
| It happened to us in the playoffs last year and we did not get the call. It was difficult for the umpie to see everything, so we were ok with the miss call. Thanks for the awareness.
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| CZ18
July 26, 2013
12:19:21 PM
Entry #: 4076976
| Question for Dave and Jim.
At what point can/would you eject a player for shooting the box?
The reason I ask is that last night, in another league, the same player line 3 balls directly at me, the pitcher, and missed me by 10 feet a fourth time. This player was also overheard saying things like "damn, I missed it [him]" after a ball just missed my kneecap and "I hope I get up next inning" after our team unintentionally hit a ball hit near him while he was pitching. The ump was well aware of what was going on but only gave the player a warning for swearing after shooting the box for the third time.
As a former fastpitch pitcher I'm used to comebackers and don't particularly care when batters shoot the box unintentionally but this player's intent was to injure. I should also mention that this was all unprovoked by our team. We had scored a bunch of runs off of him and he was simply frustrated (and a raging lunatic).
I understand there is no rule against shooting the box and know this would never happen in our league but I would like to know how our umps would have handled this.
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| Greg E
July 26, 2013
12:44:50 PM
Entry #: 4076978
| Makes me real glad I don't play in a league with raging lunatics.
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| DAVID M
July 27, 2013
12:03:32 PM
Entry #: 4077151
| This is a very difficult situation for the umpires
because you are going to have to prove it was
intentional, you can eject aplayer for profane
language, for running into another player in an attempt to injure. Unless the umpire hears the player say he is going to try to hit the pitcher by shooting the box, the umpire cannot act on hear say from other players
What comes into play that would help is a veteran umpire who know most of the personalities of the player and knows how they would react in certain situations and know how to calm the situation down
Personally myself if I got wind of what he was trying to do, I would take him aside and basically read him the riot act, and when he came to bat and he did shoot the box even if he did not hit the pitcher I would eject the hitter
there is a rule in the book of making a travesty of the game
My question is why would your league put up with a guy like this in your league
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 27, 2013
2:07:01 PM
Entry #: 4077172
| Chris Z.,
Totally agree with Dave on this. It’s a tough call, but it should be controllable.
In your case, if I was the ump, the box shooting wouldn’t have happened more than twice. Usually I look for guys to say "Sorry", to show a little remorse. But if your guy did it a couple of times with intent and without apologies (and especially if I heard him bragging about it), I would have a private word with him about his actions. In my mind, there’s no place in the game for stuff like this. If it happened again, I'd toss him for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, write it up, and report him to the League Executive. However, I'd caution you, not every umpire has the same threshold... some are more or less lenient.
This was in the York Region League, right? One of the reasons I stopped umpiring in that league is that they have more raging lunatics per capita than almost any other league, especially in their higher 2 divisions. Plus, the umps for the most part seem to put up with a lot more crap in that league. I think it’s kind of a chicken & egg thing... maybe if the umpires stopped putting up with crap, the lunatics would go away and hide under a rock where they belong.
Hope this helps. Have fun and play safe.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Faux
July 30, 2013
6:02:50 AM
Entry #: 4077798
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I was playing in a ump your own team league
Power bunt, ball is fair, runner drops the bat and the bat hits the ball, and the ball stays fair.
Hitting team says fair ball, Fielding team says deadball.
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 30, 2013
9:15:32 AM
Entry #: 4077834
| Here’s how it works> Bat hits ball, batter is out... Ball hits bat, keep playing.
If the bat is dropped and is still moving, and it touches a fair ball, it is considered interference and the batter is out. All runners must return to the base they occupied at the time of pitch.
If the bat is dropped and it is at rest (ie. motionless), and the ball rolls or bounces onto the motionless bat, it is nothing. Play the bounce.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Greg E
July 30, 2013
9:51:32 AM
Entry #: 4077845
| Safe Batter-Runner runs through first veers out of the playing field to slow down/come back to first base. Umpire calls him out for running out of the playing field. Other team didn't challenge it and accepted it for what it was.
Anything in ANY rule book that actually says this? Wondering if anyone has seen this before?
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| Jim_the_Ump
July 30, 2013
2:17:25 PM
Entry #: 4077947
| Honestly, I can’t say that I’ve ever seen this. However, the umpire in this case is probably theoretically right, though maybe a little too literal on the rules. Typically, over-running first base means to run directly down the foul line. If a player were to go out of play, then as I said, theoretically he should be called out. That being said, if a base runner overran first base, turned right and went slightly into foul territory and then immediately returned to 1st base, I wouldn’t have too much of an issue with it. However, after overrunning 1st base, the player went into the dugout, or went out of play and he remained out of play, then I think I’m calling him out.
Hope this helps.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Knight
August 1, 2013
6:54:30 AM
Entry #: 4078594
| This tread is the most educational one on this site. Great questions and outstanding feedback. Thanks to all.
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| Duchy
August 7, 2013
5:43:51 PM
Entry #: 4080792
| Seems that we need everyone to pass a reading comprehension class to play in this league with all of the "misunderstandings" of the rules (or maybe the reps for each team at the meetings need to pay more attention).
I've only been in the league for a few years, it has been a pleasure playing here. I'd like to continue that.
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| Bigpappi
August 11, 2013
11:17:45 PM
Entry #: 4081783
| Nothing in the world could possibly be worse than having a great play called the wrong way.
Right?! Absolutely the worst.
We are lucky that our guys are great.
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