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TOPIC: lead off question |
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| Bigpappi
March 24, 2014
8:17:54 AM
Entry #: 4117645
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So I know there is no lead off in slo pitch but there is an anticipation rule....
So what is the definition of anticipation?
I know that it is when the ball crosses the plate or batter swings you can go but we had an ump call one guy out for lead off because he took off on a swing (a few years back) that was a strike and the gave me a warning saying is was anticipating too far off the base (said I was 8 feet off but that was after a swing)
So when a batter swings, can the runner take of running or is there a limit to what is a lead off?
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| Axe me
March 24, 2014
10:45:55 AM
Entry #: 4117669
| Anticipating or leading off is a distinctive skill, the umpire cannot see the plate and the runner or runners. Another rule that should be eradicated.
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| silverfox
March 24, 2014
6:00:09 PM
Entry #: 4117724
| We need to leave early in the Masters. Does this rule apply to us?
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| Matches
March 26, 2014
8:00:28 AM
Entry #: 4117900
| This rule is irrelevant, anticipation on the swing is fine.
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| Bigelow
March 27, 2014
6:46:07 PM
Entry #: 4118181
| I understand when you can lead off, but the ump was saying we led off when I was explaining it was anticipation. He said no, it was too far off the bag for anticipation, but how far is too far? I thought you were free to go on anticipation as far as you can.
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 28, 2014
10:25:02 AM
Entry #: 4118235
| First of all, as others have said, it is tough for an umpire (especially just one umpire), to see absolutely everything that is going on. With that said, here are the two things I look for as it relates to leadoffs.
First, at the time of the pitch, I try to quickly glance at runners occupying bases. If a runner is CLEARLY off the base, that is a leadoff. It is very difficult to get the correct angle on a runner at 3rd base, so even if a runner is off the base, usually it is hard to determine. On the other hand, 1st base and 2nd base are a lot easier to see, especially 2nd base since it is right in the line of sight as an umpire looks out at the pitcher. So my advice, stick to the base. And at 1st base, stick to the WHITE portion of the base, not the orange part.
Secondly, a runner is allowed to run (often referred to as the anticipation rule) as soon as the ball is batted or it crosses the front plane of home plate. When the ball crosses home, it doesn’t matter whether there is a swing or not. Now at that time, usually umpires are focused on whether it’s a strike or ball, so it is pretty hard to determine when the runner actually left his base for this anticipation rule. Therefore, usually the benefit of the doubt goes to the runner. However, if I look up from calling the pitch, and see that a runner is 12 strides towards the next base, that usually is a pretty good indication that he left well before the ball reaching the plate. Certainly, there are so very fast and quick acceleration guys in our league, and so I would take that into consideration, but usually if I saw this, I’d be pretty suspicious. Again my advice, wait until the ball crosses the plate (or at least is very close to crossing the plate) before taking off.
Anyway, that’s an umpire’s perspective. I can’t speak for all umpires, but this is what I do. I’d caution you that other umpires might be more or less lenient on this rule. As well, in tournament ball where there are 2 umpires, leadoffs are called more frequently because the base umpire tends to spend more time focusing on this.
Hope this helps.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Bud Wiser
March 29, 2014
1:35:07 PM
Entry #: 4118339
| Anticipation is really dependent on what association you are playing in and whether there are "league rules" in place that take precedence over the association rule.
Typically SPN gives you "full" anticipation when the ball crosses the plane of the plate.
SPO typically allows you "a step" when the ball crosses the plane of the plate.
However some leagues state in their rules that there must be "contact" before the runner can leave the base.
Most often it's umpire's discretion that comes into play here...
We have great umps and this is never called.
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| Stonecutter
March 30, 2014
4:40:44 PM
Entry #: 4118424
| Lead off...no one can caught you
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| Jets6400
March 31, 2014
7:25:20 AM
Entry #: 4118461
| Once this train gets moving it takes a few steps to slow it down LOL ....I was anticipating the stop LOL
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| Hard Express
April 1, 2014
4:28:49 PM
Entry #: 4118636
| a stupid rule, abolish it
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| Rev Hero
April 3, 2014
2:51:34 PM
Entry #: 4118969
| Agreed, no one actually takes advantage.
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| Harry Package
April 3, 2014
7:46:53 PM
Entry #: 4119007
| Who you kidding? I've had a pretty good view the past 20 years, lots of guys leave early. Typically the same guys who are sliding hard into 2nd. It is what it is. Play ball...
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| Bigelow
April 5, 2014
12:44:30 PM
Entry #: 4119210
| Great responses, thanks for your help.
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| tuck00
April 8, 2014
9:59:19 AM
Entry #: 4119542
| No one looks or cares about this rule.
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| Larry))
April 10, 2014
7:36:07 PM
Entry #: 4120124
| Is this change 4 the sake of change? Leave the rule as is.
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| daump
April 14, 2014
7:49:16 AM
Entry #: 4120546
| no player is fast enough to really gain an advantage
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| Cashman
April 15, 2014
11:51:01 PM
Entry #: 4120970
| Might be cold outside tonight, but there's nothing cold about a Jays victory! On a cold night like tonight we would all want to leadoff just to keep warm.
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| Bigpappi
May 1, 2014
12:55:53 PM
Entry #: 4123474
| Did we every resolve the lead off question?
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| Axe me
May 20, 2014
6:26:04 PM
Entry #: 4126953
| Yes... Don't lead off
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