ukce1861

So you're saying it's a foul ball if what you describe happens? A bounding ball passes over the corner of first or third base, then curves foul before it reaches the back edge - foul ball?

I was actually responding to Stephen Dix, so... :P

Which obviously begs the question - what's the proper ruling if it was a night game turned day game?

Ouch Kevin... Pretty harsh. Really funny too, because when I got home last night I got a thorough debrief on the ineptitude of the umpires in my son's game (timing, positioning, fraternization, rules knowledge, appearance; I think there were a couple of other things thrown in there) and how irritated she was with the other moms for a) how they didn't notice any problems with the umpires, and b ) how they didn't pay attention to the game...

Stephen, I agree that a strict interpretation of the rule would result in that ruling (especially when you consider that a "base" is a specific point, not the bag, although the terms are used interchangeably throughout the rules). That being said, I have never seen it called that way - I'm curious if anyone else has.

I have never interpreted the rule that way, nor seen it interpreted that way. Now that you mention this, a strict interpretation of the rule would seem to indicate that ruling, but I'm curious how many apply it that way. In my experience, it a bounding ball passes over any portion of the bag, it is ruled a fair ball. I'm curious to know how others apply this rule.

A couple things I've figured out over the years to help me. One, be really careful not to get yourself hyped up for the game, no matter how big it is. I always try and listen to something dry on the way to the game - news, talk radio, whatever; something to keep my mind off the game. The other thing is treat every game like it's a big game. For one - to somebody, it is a big game; they deserve your best. Two, when you get a "big game", it's just like every other game for you. If you treat every pitch or play like it really, really matters, when you get in a situation where every pitch or play really matters, it's old hat. Finally, you've got to realize when your nerves and excitement are getting the better of you and do something about it. I've had games where I knew I was fast because of all the excitement. In some of those games, I started to fall apart; as the excitement and tension of the game built, I got faster and faster and made more mistakes, which led to more nerves and tension, which spiraled out of control. Now, when I recognize the tension building, I slow it down. I focus on tracking the next pitch and making sure I take my time. Get back to basics and don't let the tension change your game.

Where the ball "went" foul is irrelevant. Where the ball "became" (irrevocably) fair or foul is what matters. If it is touched, stops or settles in fair or foul territory before before reaching the base, then it is the PU's call. Once it reaches the bag, it becomes your call. On a bounding ball, like the OP, once it bounces over the bag, it becomes irrevocably fair, so it's your call at that point. If as, the PU thought, it was in foul territory after it reached the base, at the point it crosses the base, it becomes irrevocably foul - still your call because it was nothing until it reached the bag. Now, if you abandon the line, PU has to take this call since you're no longer in position to make it.

Here's where things went wrong. When you hear this, and see that's it coming from inside the dugout - he's gone. He should've been ejected before you even got to the dugout; when you get there, you're just shutting down the discussion and telling him to leave immediately. Then your partner never has an opportunity to let him stay.

Has anyone here ever been sued for their actions - or lack thereof - as an umpire on the baseball field? Does anyone know someone personally who has been sued for their actions - or lack thereof - as an umpire on the baseball field? I'm not talking about the guy you heard about from a friend of a friend of an umpire you worked with one time. Have you - or anyone you know - actually been sued in your role as an umpire?

The other day I was getting dressed for a HS game and got a call from a buddy of mine who was in the middle of umpiring a LL game - he had a rules question they couldn't resolve...

Bob, I know there are several Florida guys (and probably several non-Florida guys) that are interested in attending your camp in the future. I realize I can't comprehend the logistics that go into running this thing, but I would say the earlier you can get the information for next year out there (dates, cost, agenda, etc) the better it's going to be. And please post here - I don't check your website that often, but I'm here almost every day. Thanks!

I've noticed that of late as well. The outside pitch to a lefty seems "really far away". It's hard to explain, but it just seems like everything that's on the outer third of the plate seems outside, but when I look down at the plate, I realize it was right there. It's just something I've had to become more conscious of and take my time on those outside pitches to confirm how far out it actually was...

Mine was a humorous (failed) attempt to say that I pay no attention to Rule 10. I would be rather hesitant to draw any conclusions on the real rules from the scoring "rules".

Holy moses batman, Yes this is me. Dave, thanks for the kudos. Kudos? He called you a gay porn star... <_<

Baseball should not be subject to a time limit. Youth baseball however, most certainly should... In my opinion, it makes more sense for the BU to keep the time. One, he can check it much more easily and inconspicuously. Two, it's harder for the coaches to bug him about it all the time, cause he's camped out in right field.

This must be from that rule I've never read... What is that, Rule 10? Sir, I didn't understand a word you said...

As of today, word came down from FHSAA that NFHS has decertified it so FHSAA has as well.

Some Canadians from Montreal come down to Dodgertown every year. I've done some of their games the last two years and you won't hear a word or have the least problem from them. They're just so glad to be warm, I don't think they care... Nothing better than 14U wood bat baseball either...

I'm not sure if I should congratulate you or tell you how sorry I am... Either way, I commend you for stepping up and doing a thankless job. Too often the good ones won't do these kinds of jobs because it's too much work with little, to no, return, so bravo for stepping up. I'm sure you'll do well.

I was working a relaxed scrimmage between two Canadian high schools a few weeks ago. One of the batters walks away from the plate after a strike and I go, "That's only strike two" so he comes back to the plate, while I'm looking at my indicator - "Oh, nevermind, that's strike three...." Both coaches laughed anyway...

He didn't get too mad? That's very kind of him considering it's a scrimmage... That's what scrimmages are for - shaking the rust off. I am curious on the first to third move - not sure what the call is there. The fact that he was looking to the plate wouldn't concern me, but I'm not sure if an arm movement is required. I had a game last month - first warm I took drilled me right in the face mask. I was pretty proud of myself though - I was locked in and watched it all the way till it clanked me in the forehead...

That was the problem, it says nothing about touching home plate from what I could find. It just says the batter is out if he hits the ball while one or both feet are completely out of the batters box. I know somethings gotta be out there concerning the plate, I just haven't found it. It's not only what the rule book says - it's also what it doesn't say. It doesn't say anything about stepping on the plate, so that tells you it's legal - as long as neither foot is completely out of the batter's box.

These shirts do seem to have more stretch than previous Honig's shirts. Not as much as the Ump-Attire in my opinion, but more than previous.

Found the problem - the shorts go on your legs. You should try a shirt over your chest protector - guarantee it will work better. You're welcome.