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Trick play
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Guest Riles
So I am behind the plate during a 13 year old Babe ruth game. Local rules regarding balks allow for each pitcter to receive 1 warning before any subsequent balks are enforced, which was covered during the ground rules. So far we have had a great game, score tied 1-1 with not as much as a peep from either coach all game about any of our calls. Game is between 1st and 2nd place teams and winner will receive a bye in the first round of playoffs.
HT is batting in the B8 (extra innings), game still tied 1-1, 2 outs and runner on 3rd. The pitcher has already received 1 warning for not coming to a pause in his set position back in the 6th inning. The batter steps in for the pitch, and as the pitcher begins his windup, the bat falls out of the batters hand, who remains in the batters box. The dropped bat did not appear to be intentional in my opinion (I am not sure that it even matters wether it was intentional or not). The pitcher, obviously confused, freezes in the middle of his windup and does not deliver a pitch. I rule Balk, and it is enforced, causing the winning run to score, game over.
As you can imagine, all holy hell breaks out in the away team bench, and their fans. HC is livid, claiming that the batter can't confuse his pitcher like that. Parents and fans are letting me have it, asking how I can let such an important game end on that play. Did I make the right call?
Side note - Next time I run into the HT coach, he tells me that the dropped bat play was one that he has practiced with his team all year, and it worked to perfection. His batter deserves an Emmy for the acting job he pulled on me.
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grayhawk
No way in holy hell am I balking that. Number one, it's a safety issue and I am killing it when the bat gets dropped (I don't know if the batter is going to try to reach down for the bat while the pi
Rich Ives
If you don't like 6.02 try 4.06(a )(3)
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