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Weekly Baseball Update
April 12, 2012
It is hard to believe that the 2012 regular season for baseball is almost half complete. Such a different spring than the one we had for the 2011 season. Overall, the season has gone well, and the officiating has been excellent. I am very proud of our performance on the field. As with everything, however, there have been a few bumps in the road, questions, and information we need to share with everyone.
1. Bats that rattle – There have numerous reports of some of the BBCOR
bats having a rattle; sounding like something is loose inside. Per Rule 1-3-2a-3, “Each legal wood, aluminum or composite bat shall be free of rattles, dents, burrs, cracks and sharp edges.” In other words, a bat that has a rattle is an illegal bat. A player who uses one is subject to Rule 7-4-1 and his head coach will be subject to Rule 4-1-3b. The batter would be out and the head coach restricted/ejected.
If the plate umpire did not notice the bat having a rattle prior to the at-bat, please assume the bat became illegal during the contact with the pitch and do not penalize; simply have the bat removed from further use in the game. I would ask all umpires to check with the head coaches at the plate conference before the game to insure that they are aware of this illegality.
2. Radar Guns – There have been some games where the head coach was
using a radar gun to monitor his pitcher’s velocity or was receiving information from a radar gun in the stands. A coach, player or other team personnel may not use a radar gun on the field or in the dugout.
By rule, the coach is be ejected if this occurs. It is also not permitted for a coach to receive any information from a radar gun being used outside the confines of the field. While it is most definitely okay for scouts, parents, others to have a radar gun in the stands, they cannot provide information from the devices to a team. There are some fields where a radar gun is imbedded in the scoreboard and used for both teams. Those situations are okay and legal since both teams have access to the information.
3. Jewelry – Coaches may wear jewelry; players not in the game may wear
jewelry; only players who are participating in the game shall not wear jewelry. When a team player in the game is discovered to be wearing jewelry, the team is to be issued a team warning, and the next offender on that team is to be ejected. Please do not issue the first warning at the plate meeting before the game. We cannot warn in anticipation of an occurrence. The Phiten necklace, rubberbands, and rubber/plastic bracelets supporting various causes are all considered to be jewelry.
Religious and medical medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform and a medical alert must be taped and may be visible.
4. Pitcher’s Compression/Medical Sleeves – The question of the use of
compression or medical sleeves by a pitcher has been an issue for some over the last week. The rules prohibit a pitcher from wearing an exposed undershirt sleeves that are white or gray, and wearing any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to the batter (the question of “is the item distracting?” is to be determined by the plate umpire). With regard to a compression or medical sleeve, a pitcher may wear one on either arm that is any color, including one that is white or gray, provided it does not extend below the elbow. A doctor’s signed permission slip is not required. If the pitcher wears a sleeve that extends below the elbow, it can be worn on either arm, provided it is not white or gray or have white/gray on it. It also cannot be of a color or color combination that would be deemed distracting. Teams that are wearing the vest type uniform with a shirt underneath the vest are okay. The vest and coordinating shirt that is worn underneath are considered as a type of uniform top.
5. Attempted Bunt – We had a couple of games last week where a batter
held his bat over the plate. The pitch was an obvious ball, definitely out of the strike zone, and the batter did not make an attempt to hit the ball but did not pull his bat back. In both cases a strike was called. The explanation provided by the plate umpire, which was wrong, was that the batter must “pull his bat back.” This is not true for high school baseball. In bunting, any movement of the bat toward the ball when the ball is over or near the plate area would be a strike, an attempt to hit the pitch. The mere holding of the bat in the strike zone is not an attempt to bunt.
6. Modifying Rules – There have been reports of some leagues, some
games, varsity and sub-varsity, where the playing rules are being modified. Examples include double headers that are five innings, using an “Extra Hitter” or “Additional Hitter” (EH/AH), batting everyone on the bench, or using a player (most often the pitcher) as both a player and a DH. These rule modifications are not sanctioned and are not legal. Agreeing to play with these rule changes not approved by the OHSAA or the NFHS has some possibility of placing an umpire at some risk. Please let me know of these instances.
That is it for this week.
Thanks for all you do.
Yours in baseball,
Kyle McNeely
1. Bats that rattle – There have numerous reports of some of the BBCOR
bats having a rattle; sounding like something is loose inside. Per Rule 1-3-2a-3, “Each legal wood, aluminum or composite bat shall be free of rattles, dents, burrs, cracks and sharp edges.” In other words, a bat that has a rattle is an illegal bat. A player who uses one is subject to Rule 7-4-1 and his head coach will be subject to Rule 4-1-3b. The batter would be out and the head coach restricted/ejected.
If the plate umpire did not notice the bat having a rattle prior to the at-bat, please assume the bat became illegal during the contact with the pitch and do not penalize; simply have the bat removed from further use in the game. I would ask all umpires to check with the head coaches at the plate conference before the game to insure that they are aware of this illegality.
2. Radar Guns – There have been some games where the head coach was
using a radar gun to monitor his pitcher’s velocity or was receiving information from a radar gun in the stands. A coach, player or other team personnel may not use a radar gun on the field or in the dugout.
By rule, the coach is be ejected if this occurs. It is also not permitted for a coach to receive any information from a radar gun being used outside the confines of the field. While it is most definitely okay for scouts, parents, others to have a radar gun in the stands, they cannot provide information from the devices to a team. There are some fields where a radar gun is imbedded in the scoreboard and used for both teams. Those situations are okay and legal since both teams have access to the information.
3. Jewelry – Coaches may wear jewelry; players not in the game may wear
jewelry; only players who are participating in the game shall not wear jewelry. When a team player in the game is discovered to be wearing jewelry, the team is to be issued a team warning, and the next offender on that team is to be ejected. Please do not issue the first warning at the plate meeting before the game. We cannot warn in anticipation of an occurrence. The Phiten necklace, rubberbands, and rubber/plastic bracelets supporting various causes are all considered to be jewelry.
Religious and medical medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform and a medical alert must be taped and may be visible.
4. Pitcher’s Compression/Medical Sleeves – The question of the use of
compression or medical sleeves by a pitcher has been an issue for some over the last week. The rules prohibit a pitcher from wearing an exposed undershirt sleeves that are white or gray, and wearing any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to the batter (the question of “is the item distracting?” is to be determined by the plate umpire). With regard to a compression or medical sleeve, a pitcher may wear one on either arm that is any color, including one that is white or gray, provided it does not extend below the elbow. A doctor’s signed permission slip is not required. If the pitcher wears a sleeve that extends below the elbow, it can be worn on either arm, provided it is not white or gray or have white/gray on it. It also cannot be of a color or color combination that would be deemed distracting. Teams that are wearing the vest type uniform with a shirt underneath the vest are okay. The vest and coordinating shirt that is worn underneath are considered as a type of uniform top.
5. Attempted Bunt – We had a couple of games last week where a batter
held his bat over the plate. The pitch was an obvious ball, definitely out of the strike zone, and the batter did not make an attempt to hit the ball but did not pull his bat back. In both cases a strike was called. The explanation provided by the plate umpire, which was wrong, was that the batter must “pull his bat back.” This is not true for high school baseball. In bunting, any movement of the bat toward the ball when the ball is over or near the plate area would be a strike, an attempt to hit the pitch. The mere holding of the bat in the strike zone is not an attempt to bunt.
6. Modifying Rules – There have been reports of some leagues, some
games, varsity and sub-varsity, where the playing rules are being modified. Examples include double headers that are five innings, using an “Extra Hitter” or “Additional Hitter” (EH/AH), batting everyone on the bench, or using a player (most often the pitcher) as both a player and a DH. These rule modifications are not sanctioned and are not legal. Agreeing to play with these rule changes not approved by the OHSAA or the NFHS has some possibility of placing an umpire at some risk. Please let me know of these instances.
That is it for this week.
Thanks for all you do.
Yours in baseball,
Kyle McNeely
Weekly Update
March 27, 2012
This is the first in a series of weekly Baseball bulletins that I will be sending to Association interpreters, secretaries, instructors and assignors. Over this 2012 season, I will provide interpretations, clarifications, and important information for you and all the umpires that you serve. Please, it is vitally important, that you forward or otherwise provide this information to your association and all its umpires. This can be done by using your association's email distribution list or by using the myOHSAA association email program that is available to local secretaries. Bulletins will also be posted on the "Officiating Page" of the OHSAA website - www.ohsaa.org.
Jerry Snodgrass will be publishing a Baseball bulletin focused on information for coaches.
If you would, as the season progresses, if you have any questions, concerns or situation you want to share, please email me and I will use them in a future bulletin for everyone.
1) Bats
Anyone surprised that the first item for the first bulletin of the season concerns bats? We now have TWO (2) bats that have been
decertified:
- The Reebok Vector TLS 33 inch model. This bat was decertified by the NFHS yesterday, March 26.
- The Marucci CAT 5 33 inch model; we mentioned this bat almost a month ago.
As of now, these are the only two bats that are considered to be a non-compliant bat. They do have the BBCOR performance standard on the bat. Any player using this bat is subject to rule 7-4-1a and coaches will be subject to the provisions of Rule 4-1-3b.
PLEASE request your umpires to bring up the decertification of both bats to the coaches at the pre-game meeting and allow time for the two head coaches to check with their players and their dugouts. Many coaches may not yet know about the Reebok decertification.
Also, there has been some confusion with regard to the Marucci bat. The CAT 5 is a white bat and is the one that is now illegal. The black Marucci bat is currently certified for play.
2) The RIP IT bat.
I have seen a lot of "Rip It" bats being used and have had emails from across the state questioning their legality. The issue for many is that the BBCOR certification mark is placed on the taper, not on the barrel.
Please re-affirm with your umpires that the "Rip It" bat is okay and has been granted approval by the NFHS with regard to the placement of the BBCOR performance label.
3) There have been some questions about a plastic "hook" that the plate umpire wears on the belt and is used for hanging the mask, thus making in unnecessary for the umpire to carry the mask in the hand. These devices are not approved and should not be worn by any umpire during an OHSAA game. They provide the potential for a catcher, attempting to make a play, to have his gear get caught up in this hook and create a situation that none of us want.
4) Calling the NFHS
Over this 2012 pre-season, there have been some OHSAA Baseball umpires who have either emailed or called the NFHS looking for answers or support for various rulings or situations. You can imagine how that would tie up the NFHS if even a tenth of all the high school umpires in the nation called or emailed. Please, if your umpires have a question on a rule or a mechanic, they should first contact the interpreter in their local association or email or call me. They should also not contact Jerry Snodgrass on a rule or mechanic. Jerry handles the OHSAA policies and guidelines and while he doesn't mind assisting, he is focused on working with the coaches. Please ask your umpires to utilize myself.
5) End of Game issues
An appeal is possible, by rule, at the end of a game until all (both umpires in a two person crew) have left the field. Errors in scorekeeping may also be corrected if brought to the attention of the umpires before they have left the field at the end of a game. While we don't want umpires lingering at the end of the game, waiting for a possible appeal that they could possibly come (ths could tip off a team that they may need to appeal something), we also don't want the umpires to be in a mad dash off the field. Be professional, moving with purpose, but not in a run or in a slow amble. Ask them, though, to be alert to a coach coming to them for an appeal, particularly if they know one is possible. We don't ever want our umpires dashing off the field while ignoring a coach, because they want the game to stay finished.
6) Rulings
Here are two rulings that should be passed along concerning the detection of an illegal bat:
A) B1 hits a home run with an illegal bat. While he runs around the bases, B2 picks up the same illegal bat and eventually enters the batter's box for his turn at-bat. Before the next pitch, the catcher asks U1 to check the bat. U1 discovers the bat to be illegal. RULING:
B1 is declared out and his run is negated. B2 is also declared out as he entered the batter's box with an illegal bat. The head coach of the team is restricted to the bench. He is not ejected unless he had previously been restricted to the bench. For purposes of an illegal bat being used, this is considered to be only one incident.
B) B1 hits a home with an illegal bat. The bat was left not far from the plate area. B2 has taken his position in the batter's box and has received the first pitch for a ball. The plate umpire, noticing the bat used in the home run, walks over to get it back to the respective team's dugout. When he picks it up, he notices it is one of the bats that have been decertified by the NFHS. RULING: Since a pitch has been thrown to the next batter, B1's home run stands. B1's head coach, however, is still restricted to the dugout for his use of the illegal bat.
Jerry Snodgrass will be publishing a Baseball bulletin focused on information for coaches.
If you would, as the season progresses, if you have any questions, concerns or situation you want to share, please email me and I will use them in a future bulletin for everyone.
1) Bats
Anyone surprised that the first item for the first bulletin of the season concerns bats? We now have TWO (2) bats that have been
decertified:
- The Reebok Vector TLS 33 inch model. This bat was decertified by the NFHS yesterday, March 26.
- The Marucci CAT 5 33 inch model; we mentioned this bat almost a month ago.
As of now, these are the only two bats that are considered to be a non-compliant bat. They do have the BBCOR performance standard on the bat. Any player using this bat is subject to rule 7-4-1a and coaches will be subject to the provisions of Rule 4-1-3b.
PLEASE request your umpires to bring up the decertification of both bats to the coaches at the pre-game meeting and allow time for the two head coaches to check with their players and their dugouts. Many coaches may not yet know about the Reebok decertification.
Also, there has been some confusion with regard to the Marucci bat. The CAT 5 is a white bat and is the one that is now illegal. The black Marucci bat is currently certified for play.
2) The RIP IT bat.
I have seen a lot of "Rip It" bats being used and have had emails from across the state questioning their legality. The issue for many is that the BBCOR certification mark is placed on the taper, not on the barrel.
Please re-affirm with your umpires that the "Rip It" bat is okay and has been granted approval by the NFHS with regard to the placement of the BBCOR performance label.
3) There have been some questions about a plastic "hook" that the plate umpire wears on the belt and is used for hanging the mask, thus making in unnecessary for the umpire to carry the mask in the hand. These devices are not approved and should not be worn by any umpire during an OHSAA game. They provide the potential for a catcher, attempting to make a play, to have his gear get caught up in this hook and create a situation that none of us want.
4) Calling the NFHS
Over this 2012 pre-season, there have been some OHSAA Baseball umpires who have either emailed or called the NFHS looking for answers or support for various rulings or situations. You can imagine how that would tie up the NFHS if even a tenth of all the high school umpires in the nation called or emailed. Please, if your umpires have a question on a rule or a mechanic, they should first contact the interpreter in their local association or email or call me. They should also not contact Jerry Snodgrass on a rule or mechanic. Jerry handles the OHSAA policies and guidelines and while he doesn't mind assisting, he is focused on working with the coaches. Please ask your umpires to utilize myself.
5) End of Game issues
An appeal is possible, by rule, at the end of a game until all (both umpires in a two person crew) have left the field. Errors in scorekeeping may also be corrected if brought to the attention of the umpires before they have left the field at the end of a game. While we don't want umpires lingering at the end of the game, waiting for a possible appeal that they could possibly come (ths could tip off a team that they may need to appeal something), we also don't want the umpires to be in a mad dash off the field. Be professional, moving with purpose, but not in a run or in a slow amble. Ask them, though, to be alert to a coach coming to them for an appeal, particularly if they know one is possible. We don't ever want our umpires dashing off the field while ignoring a coach, because they want the game to stay finished.
6) Rulings
Here are two rulings that should be passed along concerning the detection of an illegal bat:
A) B1 hits a home run with an illegal bat. While he runs around the bases, B2 picks up the same illegal bat and eventually enters the batter's box for his turn at-bat. Before the next pitch, the catcher asks U1 to check the bat. U1 discovers the bat to be illegal. RULING:
B1 is declared out and his run is negated. B2 is also declared out as he entered the batter's box with an illegal bat. The head coach of the team is restricted to the bench. He is not ejected unless he had previously been restricted to the bench. For purposes of an illegal bat being used, this is considered to be only one incident.
B) B1 hits a home with an illegal bat. The bat was left not far from the plate area. B2 has taken his position in the batter's box and has received the first pitch for a ball. The plate umpire, noticing the bat used in the home run, walks over to get it back to the respective team's dugout. When he picks it up, he notices it is one of the bats that have been decertified by the NFHS. RULING: Since a pitch has been thrown to the next batter, B1's home run stands. B1's head coach, however, is still restricted to the dugout for his use of the illegal bat.
DH Rule
May 11, 2011
Not that many games were played over the past week, so not a lot has come in that we need to discuss. There are a few things that occurred either earlier in the season or happened in another state that we might need to review.
1) There appears to be some minor confusion with regard to the DH rule.
I am sure that the vast majority of our officials have this rule down solidly, but it might be worth a reminder for a few. Some key points:
the DH is a starter and has re-entry eligibility; if the DH assumes a defensive position or if the player for whom the DH is batting assumes an offensive position, the role of the DH is eliminated, but the player can still play in the game if there is no violation of the substitution rule; the player, when the DH role is terminated, that is not currently in the game is the player who has left the game, but as a starter he may re-enter if he had not previously been withdrawn and re-entered.
Here is a play from a coach that shows the confusion out there:"DH is hitting for #8 the second baseman. In the bottom of the 3rd inning the DH gets a hit and is on first base. The coach enters the position player #8 to pinch run. In the top of the 4th inning #8 returns to the field. In the bottom of the 4th inning the DH returns to the plate. I advised the plate umpire that the DH no longer exists per rule 3.1.4.
The umpire stated he was allowed to re-enter. I did not pursue the issue. In the top of the 5th, fielder #8 returned to play second base.
I then advised the umpire that by his interpretation at least #8 should be out of the game. He stated that #8 was allowed a re-entry. #8 played the field every inning including the last inning, the 6th. In the bottom of the 6th, with the score tied, the DH was at the plate. I again spoke to the plate umpire, who stated that he still only showed him with one re-entry. The young man delivered the game ending hit."
As you can see, both the coach and the umpire did not have the rule down solid.
What we need to remind each other on this play: Both the DH and #8 are starting players. This means they both have re-entry availability. When in the third inning and #8 runs for him, all we have is the loss of the DH position, and the "DH" having been removed from the game one time.
In the 4th inning, when "the DH" returns to bat, that is his one re-entry and #8 has left the game for the first time. When, in the fifth, #8 returns to play second base, that is his one re-entry and the person who was the "DH" second exit from the game. That individual is now done for this game as a player. In the 6th, when the original "DH"
comes back to bat, that is actually an illegal substitution. He should not have been allowed to hit. And if he did, then he would be called out, restricted to the bench, and all runners put back.
Please re-enforce how the rule works.
2) Warm-up pitches. There has been some issues concerning the number of warm-up pitches a pitcher is allowed to take. As a reminder, we all know that a starting pitcher is allowed 8 warm-up throws to start the game. At the beginning of each subsequent inning, that pitcher gets 5 warm up throws. That has not been the issue, we have that down fairly solid. When a pitcher is replaced during an inning or prior to an inning, the "relief" pitcher gets 8 warm up throws. That is not really the issue either. Where we have gotten this wrong at times is when the pitcher who was in the game is replaced, say he goes to first and the first baseman goes to pitch. The first baseman now pitching gets 8 warm up throws. Now the first baseman gets the batter to fly out on one pitch, and the coach wants the original pitcher (who is now at
first) to come back to pitch and the first baseman (now pitching) to go back to first. That is allowed. The first baseman met his requirement by getting a batter out. The issue is how many warm-up throws the pitcher who is returning to pitch from first base is allowed. In many instances, umpires have either not allowed him to have any, stating he already took his 5 warm ups at the beginning of the inning, or only allowing him 5 warm up throws.
The reality is that pitcher returning to pitch from first base is allowed 8 warm up pitches, the same as any other relief pitcher. I know, he may have been off the mound for only a couple of minutes, but by rule he is allowed 8 warm up throws if he wants them.
Also, as we all know we may authorize more throws because of an injury or weather if it is needed. The only penalty when that happens is that the pitcher for whom the new pitcher is relieving can not return to pitch since his relief took more than 8 warm up throws.
3) We have had at least 4 games this season where this play has occurred and caused some issues. The situation is when a batter, after either having strike 3 occur or thinking strike 3 happened, run to first base, drawing a throw from the catcher. Most often this occurs as an unintentional act, but there are times I suspect when it is a planned play. Bottom line, it doesn't matter. While as a plate umpire, we will announce on an uncaught strike three with first occupied and less than two outs that the "Batter is out' as a courtesy to the defense, if the catcher throws anyway, it is what it becomes.
The defense is expected to know the situation and their responsibility in it. This exact situation happened twice early in the season: With runners at second and third and one out, the batter on a 1-1 count swings and misses on a pitch in the dirt. The batter, thinking it was strike three, took off for first base causing a throw from the catcher which sailed into right field. Both runners on base scored. While the defensive coach wanted interference, an out, runners returned; what we have in this play is two runs in and we will bring the batter back to the plate with a 1-2 count. It is what it is. In this situation, we can't protect the defense from itself.
4) This strategy seems to be showing up again in Ohio. Some call it "the snake in the grass," some have more colorful descriptions. When it happens, most umpires want to eject someone for making a travesty of the game, etc.
What is occurring again when we have runners at first and third, is the coach has his runner on first base take his lead toward right field, sometimes positioned on the foul line in the grass in right field.
When the throw is made to first, the runner sometimes even runs to the outfield. The intent is to obviously distract the defense and thus score the runner from third. Many umpires want to immediately call the runner on first out when he takes his lead and/or eject him and the coach. The reality? It is not illegal; silly yes, but not illegal.
We have no rule that specifies where a runner on first must take his lead. All we know is that when the defense makes a throw over to first, the runner, from his position at that time, establishes his base line from that point to first or second base, whichever base he now attempts to get to. If he moves out of that baseline, he can be called out for avoiding a play, but we have no ejection.
That is it for this week. We will have one more bulletin next week.
Yours in baseball,
Kyle
1) There appears to be some minor confusion with regard to the DH rule.
I am sure that the vast majority of our officials have this rule down solidly, but it might be worth a reminder for a few. Some key points:
the DH is a starter and has re-entry eligibility; if the DH assumes a defensive position or if the player for whom the DH is batting assumes an offensive position, the role of the DH is eliminated, but the player can still play in the game if there is no violation of the substitution rule; the player, when the DH role is terminated, that is not currently in the game is the player who has left the game, but as a starter he may re-enter if he had not previously been withdrawn and re-entered.
Here is a play from a coach that shows the confusion out there:"DH is hitting for #8 the second baseman. In the bottom of the 3rd inning the DH gets a hit and is on first base. The coach enters the position player #8 to pinch run. In the top of the 4th inning #8 returns to the field. In the bottom of the 4th inning the DH returns to the plate. I advised the plate umpire that the DH no longer exists per rule 3.1.4.
The umpire stated he was allowed to re-enter. I did not pursue the issue. In the top of the 5th, fielder #8 returned to play second base.
I then advised the umpire that by his interpretation at least #8 should be out of the game. He stated that #8 was allowed a re-entry. #8 played the field every inning including the last inning, the 6th. In the bottom of the 6th, with the score tied, the DH was at the plate. I again spoke to the plate umpire, who stated that he still only showed him with one re-entry. The young man delivered the game ending hit."
As you can see, both the coach and the umpire did not have the rule down solid.
What we need to remind each other on this play: Both the DH and #8 are starting players. This means they both have re-entry availability. When in the third inning and #8 runs for him, all we have is the loss of the DH position, and the "DH" having been removed from the game one time.
In the 4th inning, when "the DH" returns to bat, that is his one re-entry and #8 has left the game for the first time. When, in the fifth, #8 returns to play second base, that is his one re-entry and the person who was the "DH" second exit from the game. That individual is now done for this game as a player. In the 6th, when the original "DH"
comes back to bat, that is actually an illegal substitution. He should not have been allowed to hit. And if he did, then he would be called out, restricted to the bench, and all runners put back.
Please re-enforce how the rule works.
2) Warm-up pitches. There has been some issues concerning the number of warm-up pitches a pitcher is allowed to take. As a reminder, we all know that a starting pitcher is allowed 8 warm-up throws to start the game. At the beginning of each subsequent inning, that pitcher gets 5 warm up throws. That has not been the issue, we have that down fairly solid. When a pitcher is replaced during an inning or prior to an inning, the "relief" pitcher gets 8 warm up throws. That is not really the issue either. Where we have gotten this wrong at times is when the pitcher who was in the game is replaced, say he goes to first and the first baseman goes to pitch. The first baseman now pitching gets 8 warm up throws. Now the first baseman gets the batter to fly out on one pitch, and the coach wants the original pitcher (who is now at
first) to come back to pitch and the first baseman (now pitching) to go back to first. That is allowed. The first baseman met his requirement by getting a batter out. The issue is how many warm-up throws the pitcher who is returning to pitch from first base is allowed. In many instances, umpires have either not allowed him to have any, stating he already took his 5 warm ups at the beginning of the inning, or only allowing him 5 warm up throws.
The reality is that pitcher returning to pitch from first base is allowed 8 warm up pitches, the same as any other relief pitcher. I know, he may have been off the mound for only a couple of minutes, but by rule he is allowed 8 warm up throws if he wants them.
Also, as we all know we may authorize more throws because of an injury or weather if it is needed. The only penalty when that happens is that the pitcher for whom the new pitcher is relieving can not return to pitch since his relief took more than 8 warm up throws.
3) We have had at least 4 games this season where this play has occurred and caused some issues. The situation is when a batter, after either having strike 3 occur or thinking strike 3 happened, run to first base, drawing a throw from the catcher. Most often this occurs as an unintentional act, but there are times I suspect when it is a planned play. Bottom line, it doesn't matter. While as a plate umpire, we will announce on an uncaught strike three with first occupied and less than two outs that the "Batter is out' as a courtesy to the defense, if the catcher throws anyway, it is what it becomes.
The defense is expected to know the situation and their responsibility in it. This exact situation happened twice early in the season: With runners at second and third and one out, the batter on a 1-1 count swings and misses on a pitch in the dirt. The batter, thinking it was strike three, took off for first base causing a throw from the catcher which sailed into right field. Both runners on base scored. While the defensive coach wanted interference, an out, runners returned; what we have in this play is two runs in and we will bring the batter back to the plate with a 1-2 count. It is what it is. In this situation, we can't protect the defense from itself.
4) This strategy seems to be showing up again in Ohio. Some call it "the snake in the grass," some have more colorful descriptions. When it happens, most umpires want to eject someone for making a travesty of the game, etc.
What is occurring again when we have runners at first and third, is the coach has his runner on first base take his lead toward right field, sometimes positioned on the foul line in the grass in right field.
When the throw is made to first, the runner sometimes even runs to the outfield. The intent is to obviously distract the defense and thus score the runner from third. Many umpires want to immediately call the runner on first out when he takes his lead and/or eject him and the coach. The reality? It is not illegal; silly yes, but not illegal.
We have no rule that specifies where a runner on first must take his lead. All we know is that when the defense makes a throw over to first, the runner, from his position at that time, establishes his base line from that point to first or second base, whichever base he now attempts to get to. If he moves out of that baseline, he can be called out for avoiding a play, but we have no ejection.
That is it for this week. We will have one more bulletin next week.
Yours in baseball,
Kyle
Weekly Update
April 25, 2011
Well, two-thirds of the regular season is gone, and in this area, we might have a couple of teams that have gotten half their scheduled games in. It looks like one of the years when some teams will be finishing league play during their sectional tournament. That is always so much fun.
With the limited number of games this past week, we had less issues or questions arise, but there are a few that need to be discussed. Thanks for passing this on to your officials.
#1 - This question has come up several times lately. In the first game of a doubleheader, a coach (head and/or assistant) has been restricted to the bench for the balance of that game. In a few of those instances, the restriction was kept in place for the second game as well, with the logic that the restriction carried over to the next game. With regard to bench restriction, once the game in which the restriction occurred is complete, the restriction is no longer in place. In other words, we wipe the board clean. The respective coach, in the next game, may coach like in any other game. Any additional bench restriction will be based on his behavior in that game, not the previous game.
2) With the season being what it is, teams and coaches will be pressing to complete games, to get them done. Continue to work professionally with all involved, but we need to continue to stay true to our roles as umpires with regard to playing conditions and inclement weather.
Please remind everyone not to look the other way on these important safety concerns just so we can finish a game.
3) There has been a few times this past week, where a coach has expressed deep concern that the other coach was using a pitcher who had exceeded his ten innings over the past three consecutive days. In at least one of those games, the opposing coach talked the umpires into doing an audit, checking the scorebook of the other team and counting innings. As a reminder, as officials, the adherence to the ten inning OHSAA pitching regulation is not ours to enforce. It is up to the coaches and ADs, in conjunction with the OHSAA. Even if we have first hand knowledge that a pitcher has completed ten innings of pitching over the past three days, all we could possibly do is remind the coach of the requirement. If he wants to keep pitching the player, it is not up to us to prevent it.
4) There appears to be some confusion around the state with regard to a defensive conference in extra innings. As you know, a team is allowed to have three defensive conference in seven innings. If the game goes beyond seven innings, any unused defensive conference are not carried over into the extra innings. A philosophy of use it or lose it, if you will. In an extra inning, a team is allowed one defensive conference in each extra inning. If they don't use it, it too does not carry over. This means that if a team had used two defensive conferences in seven innings, once it entered the eighth inning, the unused conference is lost. It only has one conference for the eighth, one for the ninth, etc. If a coach comes out in the eighth inning and replaces his pitcher, just like in any other inning, the conference does not count as a defensive conference with regard to having to replace a pitcher.
The coach may come out again in the eighth inning for a conference and then does not have to replace that pitcher, because he has one defensive conference available to him. We have had issues in one of two ways lately: Umpires making a coach pull a pitcher the first time he comes out in an extra inning, or allowing unused conferences (both from the original allotted three and the one in extra innings) to be carried over to the next inning if not used.
5) There has been some concern regarding nets that many teams use to hit soft-toss or hit off a Tee. The use of the nets are legal provided they are being used in a bullpen or dead ball area that is safe. Some teams are using them just outside the dugout inside the field, or behind the dugout. Those locations are not allowed by rule.
6) The most common question that has been asked over the past week or so is with regard to a pitcher, while on the pitcher's plate, throwing to an unoccupied base. A few coaches have been given a seat on the bus while some umpires have been informed they are not welcome back, all over this rule. As you know, it is a balk if a pitcher throws or feints to any unoccupied base (we are talking second or third; it is always a balk if a pitcher throws or feints to unoccupied first base), unless it is an attempt to put out or drive back a runner. If this exception where not in place, the offense would gain a major advantage in the stealing of a base. A pitcher would have to either legally step off the pitching plate to become a fielder to throw to a base a runner was attempting to steal, or throw to the former occupied base and hope the relay would be in time to the attempted base. All that is required is that you as an official have a valid reason to believe that the pitcher thought a play was going to be occurring at that base. One coach had his runners pretend to steal second from first by taking many hard steps to second and then stopping. He demanded that a balk be called when the pitcher subsequently threw to second base. If a runner is attempting a steal or feints in such a way that is was very possible the pitcher believed a play could occur there, throwing or feinting to an unoccupied second or third base is legal.
That is it for this week. Please keep up the great work. Email me with any concerns or questions.
Yours in baseball, Kyle
With the limited number of games this past week, we had less issues or questions arise, but there are a few that need to be discussed. Thanks for passing this on to your officials.
#1 - This question has come up several times lately. In the first game of a doubleheader, a coach (head and/or assistant) has been restricted to the bench for the balance of that game. In a few of those instances, the restriction was kept in place for the second game as well, with the logic that the restriction carried over to the next game. With regard to bench restriction, once the game in which the restriction occurred is complete, the restriction is no longer in place. In other words, we wipe the board clean. The respective coach, in the next game, may coach like in any other game. Any additional bench restriction will be based on his behavior in that game, not the previous game.
2) With the season being what it is, teams and coaches will be pressing to complete games, to get them done. Continue to work professionally with all involved, but we need to continue to stay true to our roles as umpires with regard to playing conditions and inclement weather.
Please remind everyone not to look the other way on these important safety concerns just so we can finish a game.
3) There has been a few times this past week, where a coach has expressed deep concern that the other coach was using a pitcher who had exceeded his ten innings over the past three consecutive days. In at least one of those games, the opposing coach talked the umpires into doing an audit, checking the scorebook of the other team and counting innings. As a reminder, as officials, the adherence to the ten inning OHSAA pitching regulation is not ours to enforce. It is up to the coaches and ADs, in conjunction with the OHSAA. Even if we have first hand knowledge that a pitcher has completed ten innings of pitching over the past three days, all we could possibly do is remind the coach of the requirement. If he wants to keep pitching the player, it is not up to us to prevent it.
4) There appears to be some confusion around the state with regard to a defensive conference in extra innings. As you know, a team is allowed to have three defensive conference in seven innings. If the game goes beyond seven innings, any unused defensive conference are not carried over into the extra innings. A philosophy of use it or lose it, if you will. In an extra inning, a team is allowed one defensive conference in each extra inning. If they don't use it, it too does not carry over. This means that if a team had used two defensive conferences in seven innings, once it entered the eighth inning, the unused conference is lost. It only has one conference for the eighth, one for the ninth, etc. If a coach comes out in the eighth inning and replaces his pitcher, just like in any other inning, the conference does not count as a defensive conference with regard to having to replace a pitcher.
The coach may come out again in the eighth inning for a conference and then does not have to replace that pitcher, because he has one defensive conference available to him. We have had issues in one of two ways lately: Umpires making a coach pull a pitcher the first time he comes out in an extra inning, or allowing unused conferences (both from the original allotted three and the one in extra innings) to be carried over to the next inning if not used.
5) There has been some concern regarding nets that many teams use to hit soft-toss or hit off a Tee. The use of the nets are legal provided they are being used in a bullpen or dead ball area that is safe. Some teams are using them just outside the dugout inside the field, or behind the dugout. Those locations are not allowed by rule.
6) The most common question that has been asked over the past week or so is with regard to a pitcher, while on the pitcher's plate, throwing to an unoccupied base. A few coaches have been given a seat on the bus while some umpires have been informed they are not welcome back, all over this rule. As you know, it is a balk if a pitcher throws or feints to any unoccupied base (we are talking second or third; it is always a balk if a pitcher throws or feints to unoccupied first base), unless it is an attempt to put out or drive back a runner. If this exception where not in place, the offense would gain a major advantage in the stealing of a base. A pitcher would have to either legally step off the pitching plate to become a fielder to throw to a base a runner was attempting to steal, or throw to the former occupied base and hope the relay would be in time to the attempted base. All that is required is that you as an official have a valid reason to believe that the pitcher thought a play was going to be occurring at that base. One coach had his runners pretend to steal second from first by taking many hard steps to second and then stopping. He demanded that a balk be called when the pitcher subsequently threw to second base. If a runner is attempting a steal or feints in such a way that is was very possible the pitcher believed a play could occur there, throwing or feinting to an unoccupied second or third base is legal.
That is it for this week. Please keep up the great work. Email me with any concerns or questions.
Yours in baseball, Kyle
Weekly Update Baseball
April 12, 2011
Okay, here we go. Sorry that we did not start this sooner, but we will go a little longer into the high school playoffs to make up for it. If you do not want to continue to receive these plays, just email me and let me know. I will take you off the distribution. If you know of others who are interested, ask them to drop me an email and I will add them. If you have a play, send it. It might be a POTD.
Let's start with something easy.
Does a tag require intent? The runner breaks from 2nd on the pitch and the batter hits a three hopper to third. Runner slides into the base and clips the glove as the third baseman fields the ball cleanly. The third baseman's throw to first is not in time to get the batter-runner. Neither the third baseman nor the runner have an idea that the the glove was contacted. And you can't take the easy path and say to yourself, well, no body knows so....
Until tomorrow, have a good one.
Kyle (McNeeley)
Let's start with something easy.
Does a tag require intent? The runner breaks from 2nd on the pitch and the batter hits a three hopper to third. Runner slides into the base and clips the glove as the third baseman fields the ball cleanly. The third baseman's throw to first is not in time to get the batter-runner. Neither the third baseman nor the runner have an idea that the the glove was contacted. And you can't take the easy path and say to yourself, well, no body knows so....
Until tomorrow, have a good one.
Kyle (McNeeley)
Weekly Update Softball
April 12, 2011
As I write this week’s bulletin it is raining. That is one reason that this week’s bulletin is early. Although we areinto week three of the season it is a good time to review our policy on severe weather: OHSAA policy states “When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, suspend play and take shelter immediately. Once play has been suspended, wait at least thirty minutes after the last thunder heard or lightning flash is witnessed prior to resuming play.” All personnel, athletes, and spectators should evacuate to available safe structures or shelters. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. There have been reports that officials have ignored severe weather conditions in an effort to complete a game. Officials who do this will be fined or suspended.
•Also please remember that our policy on game ending procedures and handling of suspended games is covered on Page 20/21 of the Softball Manual and Page 14/16 of the Preseason Guide. Refer to these publications when a game is interrupted for any reason.
•A quick word on the OHSAA umpire uniform is in order as we have received reports of umpires wearing shirts without logos and with our electronic age we also receive photos of umpires wearing improper uniforms. The OHSAA umpire uniform is defined in the OHSAA Handbook for Officials and reviewed on Page 13 of the Softball Manual. The uniform includes the OHSAA shirt with logo and red undershirts or t-shirts. It is not permissible to wear a long sleeve garment under the short sleeve shirt. In addition other logos, emblems, and patches are not permitted on the umpire shirt. The new logo is required starting in 2013. An important note is that this uniform is required for all games – tournament or regular season and from the varsity to junior high levels. We don’t want to penalize officials for improper uniforms so please spread the word to your members that it is important to dress properly.
Mechanics Tip of the Week – When checking bats and other equipment both umpires should go to each dugout and check each team’s bats together. One umpire can carry the bat list while the other umpire reads the model name/number and checks the bat for dents, cracks, etc. This allows both umpires to verify that all equipment being used is legal and is also the most efficient way of checking equipment including
--
Fred H
•Also please remember that our policy on game ending procedures and handling of suspended games is covered on Page 20/21 of the Softball Manual and Page 14/16 of the Preseason Guide. Refer to these publications when a game is interrupted for any reason.
•A quick word on the OHSAA umpire uniform is in order as we have received reports of umpires wearing shirts without logos and with our electronic age we also receive photos of umpires wearing improper uniforms. The OHSAA umpire uniform is defined in the OHSAA Handbook for Officials and reviewed on Page 13 of the Softball Manual. The uniform includes the OHSAA shirt with logo and red undershirts or t-shirts. It is not permissible to wear a long sleeve garment under the short sleeve shirt. In addition other logos, emblems, and patches are not permitted on the umpire shirt. The new logo is required starting in 2013. An important note is that this uniform is required for all games – tournament or regular season and from the varsity to junior high levels. We don’t want to penalize officials for improper uniforms so please spread the word to your members that it is important to dress properly.
Mechanics Tip of the Week – When checking bats and other equipment both umpires should go to each dugout and check each team’s bats together. One umpire can carry the bat list while the other umpire reads the model name/number and checks the bat for dents, cracks, etc. This allows both umpires to verify that all equipment being used is legal and is also the most efficient way of checking equipment including
--
Fred H
Weekly Update
March 29, 2011
•In response to some requests the non-approved bat list can be found at this link: http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp The list can be printed in a one page or multi-page format and includes pictures of the non-approved bats. Remember that all non-wood bats must carry the ASA 2000 or 2004 certification mark found in Figure 1-6 on page 11 of the current NFHS rule book and not be on the non-approved list. Bats must also meet all requirements found in rule 1-5 – some of these are: no exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges, rattles, burrs, dents, or cracks.
•Batting helmets, face protectors, and the catcher’s helmet/mask combination must bear the appropriate NOCSAE seal found in Figures 1-8 or 1-9 on page 13 of the current NFHS rule book. The OHSAA expects and insists that umpires check bats, helmets, other protective equipment, gloves, and drying agents before each game.
•Batting helmets, face protectors, and the catcher’s helmet/mask combination must bear the appropriate NOCSAE seal found in Figures 1-8 or 1-9 on page 13 of the current NFHS rule book. The OHSAA expects and insists that umpires check bats, helmets, other protective equipment, gloves, and drying agents before each game.
Weekly Update
March 22, 2011
Does the OHSAA really expect the umpires to check each and every bat against the illegal bat list?
Answer:
We expect and insist that the umpires check the bats before each game. If the bat does not have either of the ASA certification marks or is one of the 25 bats on the non approved list it must be removed from the game. The umpire check of equipment is a point of emphasis for 2011. This also includes helmets, other protective equipment, gloves, and drying agents. More details are on Page 8 of the Preseason Guide.
Interpretations:
1. One of our area athletic directors called one of our umpires recently to inform him that the school will be playing one of their games as a fundraiser for breast cancer research, and as part of that fundraiser, the school wants to line the field with pink chalk. The AD wanted to know if using pink chalk was ok. Ruling: Rule 1-8 is clear that all lines shall be white. This is to clearly contrast with the dirt and grass and allows players, coaches and umpires to easily see the lines.
2. May a school use pink softballs in a game? Ruling: Rule 1-3-1 states that the ball must be white or optic yellow. To avoid unnecessary risk another method should be used to emphasize the " pink theme" and breast cancer research and awareness.
3. When is the look back rule in effect? Ruling - When the ball is alive, the pitcher has the ball in the circle AND the batter-runner has reached first base or been declared out the look back rule is in effect. For the purpose of this rule it makes no difference if there has been a batted ball, a walk, or the batter became a batter-runner on an uncaught third strike. This is in Rule 8-7-2 and is another great topic for our final meetings. 4. On the lineup card penalty, if the coach brings a JV player over from the next diamond to take the place of a pitcher or injured player does that coach get penalized (warning or bench restriction) because the player was not on the card to start the game? Ruling - Yes. Having a correct lineup card is a point of emphasis for this year. If you have to change the card by adding a name then the card originally submitted was incorrect and the penalty indicated must be assessed. Comment - We need to emphasize that in situations where the coach anticipates that this could occur the coach should list the JV players involved on the varsity lineup card. There is no maximum number of players that can be listed on the card during regular season play. Also, if this does occur and the coach wishes to add several players at the same time she can do so and receive only a warning when adding multiple players at one time. This could avoid a bench restriction in the unlikely event there would be another injury later. Here are a couple more interference rulings:
5. Play 1: R1 on third, R2 on first, one out. B4 strikes out, the ball is caught by the catcher. However, B4 takes off for first base. B4 has not committed interference at that point, but could potentially cause interference if the catcher throws to first base and B4 interferes with the throw or a fielder receiving the throw. (Keep in mind, the 3 foot running lane is intended for the batter-runner, and since B4 struck out, she is not a batter-runner.) Even if B4 is in the running lane, there is potential for interference. 6. Play 2: Same situation, only the catcher drops the third strike. Now B4 is still out, but because of the dropped third strike rule, there could be confusion. We all know that B4 is out because first base is occupied with less than 2 outs, but the third sentence in 8-6-18 covers this situation. It says, "This does not apply to the batter-runner running on the dropped third strike rule". B4 could possibly interfere with a throw and if so would be called out. However, just the fact that she started running after the dropped third strike is not grounds for calling interference. She must interfere with a play or throw in order for interference to be called. In both plays 1 and 2, if interference is called on the retired batter, the runner closest to home would be out.
Answer:
We expect and insist that the umpires check the bats before each game. If the bat does not have either of the ASA certification marks or is one of the 25 bats on the non approved list it must be removed from the game. The umpire check of equipment is a point of emphasis for 2011. This also includes helmets, other protective equipment, gloves, and drying agents. More details are on Page 8 of the Preseason Guide.
Interpretations:
1. One of our area athletic directors called one of our umpires recently to inform him that the school will be playing one of their games as a fundraiser for breast cancer research, and as part of that fundraiser, the school wants to line the field with pink chalk. The AD wanted to know if using pink chalk was ok. Ruling: Rule 1-8 is clear that all lines shall be white. This is to clearly contrast with the dirt and grass and allows players, coaches and umpires to easily see the lines.
2. May a school use pink softballs in a game? Ruling: Rule 1-3-1 states that the ball must be white or optic yellow. To avoid unnecessary risk another method should be used to emphasize the " pink theme" and breast cancer research and awareness.
3. When is the look back rule in effect? Ruling - When the ball is alive, the pitcher has the ball in the circle AND the batter-runner has reached first base or been declared out the look back rule is in effect. For the purpose of this rule it makes no difference if there has been a batted ball, a walk, or the batter became a batter-runner on an uncaught third strike. This is in Rule 8-7-2 and is another great topic for our final meetings. 4. On the lineup card penalty, if the coach brings a JV player over from the next diamond to take the place of a pitcher or injured player does that coach get penalized (warning or bench restriction) because the player was not on the card to start the game? Ruling - Yes. Having a correct lineup card is a point of emphasis for this year. If you have to change the card by adding a name then the card originally submitted was incorrect and the penalty indicated must be assessed. Comment - We need to emphasize that in situations where the coach anticipates that this could occur the coach should list the JV players involved on the varsity lineup card. There is no maximum number of players that can be listed on the card during regular season play. Also, if this does occur and the coach wishes to add several players at the same time she can do so and receive only a warning when adding multiple players at one time. This could avoid a bench restriction in the unlikely event there would be another injury later. Here are a couple more interference rulings:
5. Play 1: R1 on third, R2 on first, one out. B4 strikes out, the ball is caught by the catcher. However, B4 takes off for first base. B4 has not committed interference at that point, but could potentially cause interference if the catcher throws to first base and B4 interferes with the throw or a fielder receiving the throw. (Keep in mind, the 3 foot running lane is intended for the batter-runner, and since B4 struck out, she is not a batter-runner.) Even if B4 is in the running lane, there is potential for interference. 6. Play 2: Same situation, only the catcher drops the third strike. Now B4 is still out, but because of the dropped third strike rule, there could be confusion. We all know that B4 is out because first base is occupied with less than 2 outs, but the third sentence in 8-6-18 covers this situation. It says, "This does not apply to the batter-runner running on the dropped third strike rule". B4 could possibly interfere with a throw and if so would be called out. However, just the fact that she started running after the dropped third strike is not grounds for calling interference. She must interfere with a play or throw in order for interference to be called. In both plays 1 and 2, if interference is called on the retired batter, the runner closest to home would be out.
