VolUmp

This play was developed as a strategy (if not created) by Don Hoke and Jackie Robinson. Don was the master of exploiting loopholes in the rule book.

I also say don't beat yourself up -- but you did miss the call if no one was there to catch it. ORDINARY EFFORT was not present. The only one who could have caught it was not an infielder. Where the ball ultimately lands, who ulitamately catches it are both irrelevant.

Thanks, guys. It was fun to try to figure it out on my own, but I didn't even think to look at the MiLB site. (DUH?)

I went to a AAA game (PCL) last night and, without looking anything up, I studied the pitch clock operator to try and figure out the "system" in place. 1) Between most half innings, when the defensive team left the field, the clock was set at 2:25 and allowed to run. It seemed that the pitcher always made his first move before it elapsed. 2) With or without runners on, the clock was set to :20 between each pitch and was started once the pitcher had the ball in the vicinity of the pitcher's plate (not necessarily engaged). Once he started his motion (Windup) or came Set (Set), the clock went blank. 3) Twice, when the grounds crew came out to re-drag the infield (after innings 3 & 6), the clock started from 3:00. 4) With no runners on, the clock would start from :30 seconds after an out was made. This was very inconsistent. If the out was a strikeout, the :30 clock would start running as soon as the F2 started throwing it around the horn. If it was an infield groundout or outfield fly ball, the :30 clock most often started on the final toss back to the pitcher. 5) There was never a pitch clock on the pitch following a foul ball or a time out. I don't know if that was by rule, or if it was because the PU never gave a visible signal to put the ball back in play. 6) Never once was the pitch clock "violated" according to my observations, although it was close on several occasions. 7) There were two clocks in unison — one behind the plate for the F1 and one in CF for the F2, PU and batter presumably. What pro leagues are using the pitch clock this year as a study only? Independent leagues? What pro leagues (if any) are enforcing them with penalties assessed for violating them? Only MLB affiliated Minor League teams?

Going back to the OP, isn't this poorly worded to simply state, " ... B1 is running in foul territory when F2, in fair territory, throws errantly and hits B1 in the back ... " I gather that the intent is to say, "B1 is running in foul territory to the right of the running lane." After all, the running lane IS in foul territory except for the foul line itself.

Just like all the guys who go to a one-day camp to learn three-man, and then they boast to the world that they now are an expert in three-man mechanics. Then comes the day when we are assigned to the same crew in the postseason, they feel like a pregame is beneath them, and we end up running into them all night because they don't know the difference between counterclockwise and clockwise. It's work. It's a matter of pride. It's a matter of professionalism. And, it's a source of embarrassment. When I first learned three-man, I went out of my way to find games that I could join for no pay, just to give us practice at three-man, so when a big game came up, it would be engrained and habitual.

And I agree. And as I stated, it happened FIRST, and have created what turned out to be UI. So, handle the first Infraction of BI. PI need not be mentioned unless the coach or player asks.

Just a question, Sir Maven ... is this not virtually the same answer I gave above? I'm not being sarcastic ... trust me, you've been an inspiration to me on this forum. And yes, yours is worded more clearly.

I, fortunately, can read & comprehend. And I answered.

Whichever happens first — in your hypothetical, that's UI, — is the only form of INT that can be called. Theoretically, the umpire could have changed the direction of the throw and made it "appear" like BI when otherwise it would not have been called.

Using Gray's words, I'd say "evident" as opposed to "difficult." I agree with his policy of BU working inside has ALL outfield flies unless PU calls him off My best example is a fly ball hit to RF, F9 starts after it by running toward the line, then fades back toward center, then fades right again and makes the catch — 30 feet from the line! The first few steps shouldn't dictate who takes the ball. Only when and if the ball is coming down near a line, should PU call off BU.

We use 6-Man at all five levels of the State Champ Games. I'd hate to see 2 umps call out and 1 call safe just because they're bored and no one really knows 6-man ...

Are you stupid? The bases that inspired this OP were dark reddish brown. The plates had been sprayed white. We're having this conversation because it's worthwhile. Keeping the bases viewable is a worthy cause. It helps the umpires get the calls right. It is far different than all the other grounds keeping tasks that we've all mentioned. If you're just starting out, don't wear a ball bag in the field, but if you want to use your foot or a brush to clean the bases, do it. If you would like them sprayed white, ask your partner if it's worth asking the groundskeeper to do it and either live with them being dark, or thank him for spraying them. If you're a veteran, ASK before you spray. That's my only regret. If the groundskeeper refuses to spray them, live with it ... but he doesn't get to say, "We'll do anything you want … just ask," and then refuse to spray the bases. He can say, "We spray the plates, but not the bases. That's off the table."

HOGWASH DOUBLE HOGWASH

Excellent, Gray, as always. They say we should never assume, but if you signal the rotation at the top of the At-Bat, and your partner(s) acknowledge, the BU really should be able to at least "anticipate" or "surmise" that PU will be at 3B for this play. Yes, he may screw up, but that's the purpose of signals ... to remind yourself and your partners not to. I'll say mechanics-wise, BU gets 80% of the blame. I'll say PU most likely didn't give it a 100% hustle effort to get in position, and probably didn't verbalized at all. No clue on the call. Video not clear or close enough. If I'm PU, and I DID hustle and I DID get a great look, and I DID come set, it's easy. We are going with my call. In this sitch, start digging a trench for both umps to hide in.

Releases …

It wasn't plural … it was singular … a grumpy Head Coach whom I've known for 16 years. No one else on the crew thought a thing of it. No reaction except, "WTF's his problem?" when they heard him yell. You don't get it. Or you don't read the details. I've never had anyone object for 3 or 4 years since I've been bringing my own chalk. I've only had people react graciously. That's the only reason for my post.

Sophomoric comment. I want the bases white for the same reason I want the plate white. To do my job better. To see the pitches and plays better. It is about the integrity of the game ... which is far too lacking in far too many crews and Site Directors.

Mud, I want the bases sprayed ... for MY sake. If you go all the way back to the OP, you'll see I stated I found ONE WAY I could help is by spraying the items I wanted bright white. I specifically stated it likely benefits me more than anyone else. I wouldn't warm up a pitcher, hop on a tractor to mow grass or drag the infield, grab a rake and start raking, grab a hose and wet down the infield dirt, grab a tamp and start tamping, all of those things are important, and appreciated, yet nothing I should do nor willing to do. I've never sprayed plates or bases when someone on the crew was gonna do it. I've only done it when I could tell (or was told) that it wouldn't be done. And someone mentioned a "Smitty" using a brush in the field to dust off bases. No, I'd prefer he didn't wear a ball bag, but if my partner either between innings or before the game pulled out a brush to do that, I wouldn't give a rip about the "Smitty" label ... who cares? I'd think, "Well, that was nice of him ... it helps both of us and maybe the players." Those who live by the letter of the law die by it. I'll die of cardiac arrest, most likely, but not because someone told me I broke the precious protocol of the umpire's duties. Do you make sure there's a rosin bag behind the mound before every game? And if not, why not? What does the Rule Book say about that?

This is pathetic. Worse than, — "Can he wear that batting glove under his glove while he pitches? — "Can he play in that jersey? It doesn't match the rest of the team." — "Appeal the home run hitter missed 1B." — "That was Malicious Contact — my SS fell down when they collided."

Short Answer: No Long Answer: Hell No I don't mind how you handled it, but I would have let the play stand including the advance of R1.

THIS is how I love to see a field prepared. 9:50 am this morning.

Last 18u Summer Ball Tournament of the 2016-2017 league year. Both teams (split a DH 3-1 and 2-0) were great. Great coaches, players, even team managers. After 2nd game, I walked from the plate to grab my gear bag and cooler. A bunch of parents were grabbing their chairs, cheering us through the fence, etc. "Hey Blue, great games ... best we've had all summer. Loved that zone ... except when you rang up my son!" (All friendly chatter ...... until ..... ) The grandmother sitting still in her chair waiting to get a word in said ... "Mr. Umpire ... you were really pretty bad. I'm not joking ... pretty bad." A mom ... about 4 seats away ... clearly with the same team ... said, "Now why would you say something like that to him?" "I have a right to say whatever I want. What's he gonna do ... throw me out?" "Well, he has a right to call you a fat ugly bit---. but he didn't say a word." I'm gonna take a wild guess that the mom here has been holding back for months ... maybe years ...

Brian, you don't live in the real world. It must be sublime.

Of course we do. We don't have "Field bosses that ONLY allow their people on the field" until the College level. Most crews would be crazy to turn down any extra help, and although I'm not gonna rake, or drag, or tamp, or water a field while in uniform between games, I'd gladly spend a few seconds to chalk up to 5 objects — for my sake and my partner's.