sthomas13100

Had the pleasure of traveling to Atlanta and watch my son play in the PG tournament for the past week. One thing I saw repeatedly was umpires granting time while the pitcher was in his motion. We are instructed to not grant time if the pitcher has started his motion towards home. Is this a courtesy in the showcase tournaments or have I been taught incorrectly? One guy even went out and told the pitcher to go ahead and throw the ball, even though he had called time, so he didn't hurt himself. I thought to myself, why grant time with the pitcher at the point of releasing the ball? Your thoughts?

Maven, I understand you reasoning. I understand the logic. I believe you are one of the most knowledgeable guys on this site. So, I ask this with utmost respect and just want to be able to support this when I'm faced with it. You say by rule someone will be out for it, however I do not read that in the rule (7-3-5). In my scenario, the action did not prevent a possible double play, but it did cause a catcher to air-mail the ball into CF. If interference is NOT called, then you have a potential play from R3 coming home. You have to call the interference after the (failed) attempted play on R1. Again, the rule in FED states, "If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire's judgement interference prevents a possible double play (additional outs), two may be ruled out." Would you treat follow-through interference the same as the batter crossing in front of home plate under FED rules? Al Stripes, so are you agreeing with me that in FED, the umpire can just place the runner back? Again, seems like the rule in FED does leave it to the umpires judgment.

I do not agree with an automatic 2 outs, and if interference occurs, you call it. Situation I can think of: Runners at 1st and 3rd, less than 2 outs, count is 2-2. Batter swings and misses and hinders the catchers throw to second base. R1 had left early and gets to second base shortly after the ball reaches the catchers glove. Catchers throw sails into CF. I'm calling the interference. But, if I don't believe the catcher had any chance of getting the second out, then his penalty is; he's going back to 1st base. Now, if I feel the batter made an intentional movement to hinder, then I'm getting the 2nd out regardless.

2) Penalty under 7-3-5, " ......... If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire's judgement interference prevents a possible double play (additional outs), two may be ruled out (8-4-2g)" I believe you can have an out or you can send the runner back, umpire judgement. If it close at all, get the out.

Yes, you are correct. 7 Hole was the out. Thank you for the rule reference. Should have started there first instead looking in the case book.

Fed rules, HS regionals. Bases loaded, less than 2 outs. 8 hole at bat, reaches 1B on a walk. DHC appeals BOO after all runners advance, which he is correct. 7 hole should have been proper batter. I call 8 hole out, and he is now the proper batter, no issues thus far. I put all runners back and continue with 8 hole. Post game, I am working with a partner with 30 plus years of experience and I start questioning my decision to put runner back in their original places. He tells me I got it right, but I'm still questioning my own call. I know if the incorrect batter advanced runner on a base hit, they go back. But I couldn't find a case play to support the walk, were all runner advanced one base. I believe a base hit and a walk would apply the same penalty. FYI, no one questioned my call expect ME. I still not 100% positive. Hovering around 90%

Thanks for the help! This was a varsity game. I really appreciate this website, great resource and a very knowledgeable group of guys.

Case play 2.22.1 Situation C in 2016. Just found it and thank you!

If that is the case, then I should have called obstruction. Can you point me to a case play? When I say I stood there looking at the plate, I stayed with the ball. Partner made the out call at third, but I still was waiting in a position waiting for the touch.

Need some help on a situation I had this past weekend. Runners 1st and 2nd with less than 2 outs, ball hit in the outfield gap. R2 coming home, I'm 3BLX, throw takes catcher up and over foul line. Runner slides and his lead foot hits the catchers left foot and the runner flips over home plate and never touches it. The ball goes to the backstop, the pitcher throws down to third to get an out at third base. I'm haven't called safe or out because I still don't have anything, runner gets up after the out at third and touches home plate and I signal safe. I had the catcher and the runner doing what they were suppose to be doing. Runner came in outside, catcher gave him the outside lane, but the throw took him into the runner. OHC wants an obstruction call. I told him the catcher gave him the lane, but the throw took it away. DHC wants a MC and says he gave him a lane and was behind home plate, not even close. I have train wreck and a safe call at home. Question 1: While I'm waiting for a touch at home, should I have signaled anything or said anything? I just stayed there looking at the plate. Question 2: If I would have had an obstruction call, would the trail runner still be out on the play? The coach was trying to get the obstruction call to protect his trail runner. With delayed dead ball, wouldn't the play continue until after the out call at 3rd base? Thus, the outcome of the play would have been the same. FED Rule Set.

Just to report back, 80 mph fastball fouled straight back, squarely to the mask. Memory foam performed well. Thanks for all your opinions. FYI, I have TW on POS mask and love it as well.

Scrounge's advise is sound, just don't read over the part were he said, "And he doesn't get caught up in it.". One thing I would have done differently in your situation; if you and your partner didn't agree in outs, then call time and get them right before moving on. That could have turned out much worse if an infield fly would have been hit in your situation. Signals between umpires are very important in my opinion, gets both guys in the game. On a positive note, you were right on the number of outs!

This past weekend I was asked to help evaluate some newer umpires in our group. The thing that I saw repeatedly was base umpires carrying an indicator, trying to keep up with ball, strikes, and outs. Can't tell you how many times there eyes were looking down. I don't have a problem on the field as long as its stays in the pocket and it is used for outs only. But, if proper signals are being used, I don't see any reason for an indicator in the field. I believe with enough time on task, you can train yourself to keep up with the game, including balls and strikes without the indicator. So, if you can't use one without looking down at it, then leave it in the bag.

Here are my new masks for this year. Wilson aluminum and Plus pos with team wendy pads. Love them both!

I bought 2 pair, they do tend to run a little small. I wear a 36 (in GD original) and these fit tight in the waist and kind of tight in the upper zipper area. Good quality, for me just no room for cold weather layering underneath. I would prefer a better fit without the elastic expander. If I order any more, I will go up a size.

Guys, thanks for all your opinions! I am going to give the stock pads a chance this spring. Again, I really appreciate the opinions of others when it comes to protecting my face!

Just got a new Wilson aluminum mask with the stock (black) memory foam pads from Ump Attire. Love the look of the silver frame and black pads. Added a 4" Wilson throat guard and a sun shield. My question; would you leave the stock pads or add some team Wendy? I have 2 other diamond masks with team Wendy and really like them. Didn't know how the Wilson would compare. High school varsity is the highest level called.

High School group - http://www.tulsaumpires.com/wp/ Youth level - http://neousssabaseball.com/ and http://bayouthbaseball.com/index.php The assigner for bayouthbaseball is also a Big 12 umpire. There are several guys around here that have moved up to college. I'm in my second year with HS group, so the highest level I've called to date is Varsity HS. Feel free to email me at sam@stresscon.net for the contact information on the assigners.

Ordered 2 lineup holders and a hat to go with it, took 1 week to get to Tulsa, OK. I LOVE IT! Thanks again Ray.

If first baseman has the ball, no obstruction. As described with the runner jumping over the fielder attempting a tag the runner, I am calling him out for that action alone under Fed and USSSA rules for youth/school baseball.

Right handed batter, left foot went across the plate on a ball 12-16" outside. No one questioned the out call.

Thank you, perfectly clear now!

Guys: R1, less than two outs. BR hits a fair ball into the gap with one foot completely out of the box. Umpire sees it and calls him out. Good Call! Question: Immediate dead ball and runner can not advance? OBR rules, please help me find the rule regarding status of ball. FYI, I did not let the runner advance, but could not quote a rule to the coach. Been looking at 6.06, but I have nothing. Thanks!

Sounds like a very wise umpire. Let the game police itself, but let everyone know who is in charge, and done quietly with confidence. I like it!

After last night, I will never do a HS game solo! The head coach says he will bump my pay, he saves $120 and gives me an extra $20 for a two game set. Thanks, but NO THANKS!