stl_ump

So as long as he is "wiggling" something, no matter how small of a movement or how long he does it, it's not a balk? If that's the case than I could see how this could get really subjective, especially at the lower levels where a kid is coming set but he's still got something going on somewhere. Thanks

I found some video. There are 3 videos here. The first one is his normal delivery. The second one was about the amount of "stop" time I saw with the R3. The 3rd one was much longer than what I saw. Tell me what you guys think. http://bluejayhunter.com/2016/09/roberto-osuna-messing-up-hitters-timing-in-various-ways.html

This was in the game between the Jays and the Indians on Tuesday. R3 Roberto Osuna was pitching (RHP) and he was in the stretch. He was pitching "normally" with the leg lift and then going home. All of a sudden I see him lift the leg and come to a complete stop for a second or two and then continue to home. I thought maybe my DVR had hiccuped or something it was so noticeable. But I backed it up and looked at it again and sure enough he had come to a complete stop. Even the announcers mentioned that he "hesitated" in order to throw off the timing of the batter. I was under the assumption that once a pitcher started his delivery to home that he couldn't stop... that it had to be one continuous motion. If a pitcher CAN pause, then a LHP with an R1 could just lift his leg and pause / hold it there to make sure the runner wasn't stealing. Thanks (looked for video but couldn't find any)

So then where does this leave the discussion? Does the limit on the batter switching boxes apply to only ambidextrous pitchers or in all situations?

And if the coach protests because of a wrong rule interp? Then what?

Thanks for that info. I did some more research last night and I believe this (switching sides) is discussed in the PBUC. I don't have a copy so I can't verify that or not. That being said, if it's not in the MLB rule book, how do we cite it as a rule if it's not in there.

Hey no problem. As I couldn't find anything about it when I looked I figured you guys would know one way or another. And since it's NOT addressed then it is something he CAN do. Thanks

How many times can a better switch boxes? And what is the rule reference? Thanks

What is the mechanic for when this happens? I know the following runner is out but do you let the play continue or kill it or what? In my situation it was the 3rd out. Thanks

Exactly! The latrine is what made me the umpire I am today!

Really? No wonder Coaches get a bit peeved at some umpires.

In defense of Joe Buck (he is from St Louis after all ) and other announcers who describe a foul ball in that manner. I think in that situation they are trying to paint a picture for the radio audience and "Foul tip back to the screen!" paints a picture of it going hard and straight back as opposed to a lazy pop up going back to the screen. Not technically accurate but it does give a pretty good description for the "non educated".

Wow... they should just keep quite. And they finally read the rule book after 7 1/2 minutes of spouting nonsense. http://www.closecallsports.com/2016/09/mlb-ejection-151-brian-gorman-3-craig.html

I know what you mean but on this field and this age and skill level...? Stress is the last thing that would be showing up.

Nice! Great idea. Keeps out the Riff Raff too.

Nice! I've done a few games at Ballwin and my kids played quite a few games there as well.

No offense taken... Not sure how it would complicate the relationship with coaches but I've had several conversations with coaches as teams are switching over for the next game and they have all been cordial and good natured. Fall Ball here is very low key and relaxed and all the games are treated as scrimmages. For the most part everyone is out getting used to the new dimensions and rules for their age group. It's a very nice atmosphere. Regular season...? Now that's a different story.

Yeah.. I know.. I know... It was pretty far down the line. This was 10u so not much of a chance of getting a ball down there but even if it did, they could get to the ball pretty easily. And besides, it's Fall Ball, the games don't even count.

New complex? We've been here for at least 15+ years.

Chesterfield - CBSA

When I have 4 or more games on the same field, I set up camp down the 3rd or 1st base line. Whatever is closest to my car.

OK... thanks. They probably aren't going to hear you because of all the commotion due to the hit so are you doing it in a "normal" voice or in your "selling the call" voice.

I know it's a live ball but do you "yell it out" when it happens or wait until all the action is done and then announce it? Thanks

Watch out for those catchers that try and fake you out by their tricky use of framing. I had a little guy the other day who would frame it no matter where it was and after one particularly egregious framing job I quietly asked him "are you trying to trick me?" He looks up at me with a sly little grin and says "maybe" See this video for framing info. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhuTURvK7dE

We get paid by the strike right?