AZump78

I have enjoyed reading this thread. So let me make sure I have this right, as I am not a big FED rules guy: Since it is impossible for contact between the BR and F3 NOT to "change the pattern of the play" in some way.... And since, by FED rule, any act by a defensive player that "changes the pattern of the play" is OBS... AND the rule for OBS in FED is at least the advance base... Then ANYTIME there is ANY contact between BR and F3 (using the scenario in the OP) you MUST call OBS AND award at least the advance base..... Correct?

Don't you think you should at least keep an eye on him to make sure he does or doesn't retouch 1B? My real job has times where I'm asked several times a night to help someone with a procedure. Every time I'm asked, the stock answer is "Ask your supervisor." My job isn't to tell the employees what their job is, but to make sure they do their job. It's the same on the baseball field. I see where you are going, but I have to disagree with the analogy. As an umpire, your job is not to "make sure they do their job." You are there to administer the game, make judgement calls, and enforce penalties if rules are violated. As an umpire, I don't have to worry about making sure they do their job, that is the coaching staff's job-I am just there to notice when they don't

I would change the word "shall" to "could" in your post, but otherwise-Yup.

I love the responses added, especially "ask your coach!" Being somewhat witty an able to think on your feet is what separates the masses of "good" umpires from the truly "great" ones. Back to the question: If you say "A" you are wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!!!! You can NEVER coach a player. If this is a HS game there might not be many repercussion; if this is a college game, a mistake like this could seriously jeopardize your college umpiring career.

Jax- IN YOUR JUDGEMENT was it a fair, fly, batted ball? That should be the only real guideline you need to determine an if it was an infield fly. From your post, it sounds like it was a (soft) line drive, but of course I wasn't there. Remember- JUDGEMENT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND ON THE FIELD. Don't worry about what is an "appreciable height off the ground." It is what ever you say it is! If you MUST have a rule of thumb, try this: if you can't read the ball, look at your partner, look at the fielder (ordinary effort), and then say the words "INFIELD FLY-THE BATTER IS OUT!" before the ball is gloved or lands, then it's most likely not a fly ball.

I just had to say it....that is one SEXY jacket! Well done FIttske!

I'm with the OP-None of the multiple choice answers are correct. OBS with a play? "TIME!" Then award the runners. You know R1 is going to second. As far as R3 goes? Its your judgment whether or not he gets home. Its good to be the King!

Hey Folks, Long-time Lurker, First-time Poster. I have a 36" Diamond Deluxe gear bag that I would like to pass on to a fellow umpire. I received it over the Holidays and I have used it literally once, going to and from a scrimmage last weekend. It's is a great bag and well deserving of the praise it receives on the forum, but just a little too long for my liking so I think I am going to go with a shorter model. I know they retail with shipping for $140-ish. I'll knock off $20, ship it to you (assuming you live here in the lower 48) and also throw in a new, still in the bag, black XL long sleeve Honig's plate shirt for good measure. Feel free to PM me in interested! Thanks, 2BallsOut