urout17

Sorry I didn't read this one before seeing that it was posted eons ago but.... ...."I have not put the ball in play. I step out to have a no pitch,...." This doesn't make sense. How can you let that hit stand? Also, I'm sure the pitcher was taking signs from the catcher so I think he's the guy you need to work with. Maybe there's more to the story? Just wondering.

Clear Ridge, huh? I grew up right down Archer off Central.

I'm not sure why you went to the gate to have a conversation with the runner and his mom, the HC of course. Is this something you normally do? I'm just curious. Is this a 12U rule? I hope I'm not being an ass. I don't work games that young. Thanks, and my apologies to not offend.

Seriously?!? $124 for varsity baseball??!! I can put up with a lot more for that kind of money.

I feel for you. We had just the opposite in last weeks regional game. Three man crew and we had absolutely nothing, not one banger, no errors, a few caught stealing which were obvious, a few routine fly balls, partner behind the dish had both pitchers throwing strikes. The game ended 2-1 in 1:38. Literally, it was the easiest game all year.

Prior to the next batter, I try to be a little preemptive. I will remind the catcher to give room to the baserunner when they're in scoring position. It seems to help.

I set them down and leave, no throwing or rolling. A pet peeve of mine is players/coaches rolling balls to me between innings. I will not bend down to pick them up. We are out there, standing the entire time I might add, working a game on our own time. I let them sit there until they complete their warmup tosses. When the catcher throws down, I brush the plate and kindly ask him to please get those balls for me. Most coaches/players have the courtesy to walk over and hand them to me but some do not. And I being a hard ass, maybe, but we deserve respect as well. I'll go sit down now.

HS Fed. I'm sure we've all worked at fields where the location of the setting some becomes an issue. A few fields here places the setting sun in direct line with HP when working in the A position. F3 is usually staring right into the sun, with sunglasses on and shading his eyes with his glove. I've pre-gamed this with my partners, when no runners are on base, that I will position myself in B as to not get blinded and drilled by a line drive. As soon as the sun sets I resume my normal position. Wearing sunglasses for me doesn't help since I get glare no matter what brand I've tried. Has anyone else done this?

I'm sure MLB will go to an electronic strike sometime in my lifetime. MLB umpires do a great job with the strike zone but if the managers/players think they're getting screwed now, wait until the high strike starts getting called more.

Here are a few.... https://www.mlb.com/news/players-traded-to-the-other-dugout-c292900478

"You blew it." That's funny. Rich, the guy just joined yesterday, hope he doesn't get scared off? All in jest of course.

I feel your pain. I worked in Illinois for years and it's one of the reasons we moved to Florida.

Thanks guys. But one thing. I understand if he tosses the ball into his glove. That means he has to remove the ball FROM his glove as well. Does this rule also pertain if he tosses the ball up and down in his bare hand? Just asking.

Fed rule set. HS Varsity 2-man crew. B1 receives ball four and legally acquires 1B. A new batter is approaching the batter's box. The pitcher has engaged the pitching plate but has not taken signs yet, he's just standing there. While the pitcher is waiting for the batter, he tossed the still live ball in the air to himself 2 or 3 times. My partner yells "That's a balk" and moves R1 to 2B. I have never seen this before. Is this action, while engaged on the pitching plate with a live ball, considered deceiving the baserunner? Rule 6-2 Art 4e states that the pitcher cannot take his hand off the ball "while in the set position"....etc. Can I get some clarification on this? Is there another rule that I'm missing? Thank you for your help.

When will MLB start suspending players for leaving their dugouts? Especially the bullpens. I believe most, if not all, bullpens are no longer in live ball area. It's ridiculous to see pitching staffs jogging in from the outfield. Sticking up for teammates, whatever. I get it, I played at a fairly high level. Forget the fines, that does nothing.

I admit I read most, but no all of the posts. Is there any mention as to what age group this is? I only hope the coaches are teaching the players how to play the game. Working HS and college ball has taught me there are few players who actually pay attention to the little things you can learn during a game that can help you gain an advantage. I'll go sit down and be quite now. Thank you.

BTW.....the lead-off hitter hit the first pitch of the ballgame for a HR. The game ends 1-0. Can't remember working a game and that happening before.

Yep, that's what happened.

I guess that answers my question. He threw it to F3 who wasn't expecting it. Thanks!

FED rule set, HS varsity game, 3-man crew. R1, 0 outs. 1B playing well off and behind the runner (10'-12') and is making no attempt to "sneak" back for a quick pick-off. After getting his sign, the pitcher is in a legal set position, typical jump turn to "attempt" a pick-off and throws the ball away. We have U2 in A and I'm U3 in C. U1 and myself call balk immediately and place R1 on 2B. No complaints from anyone but after the inning, U2 wanted to know my ruling. Also, after the game the three of us are by our cars discussing the play. Myself and U1 are positive we got it right but I'm having a hard time locating the written rule. I remember seeing a training video at one of our classes a few years ago stating this is a balk but cannot find the rule. This is what I've read, maybe I'm misinterpreting something? ART. 4 . . . Balk. If there is a runner or runners, any of the following acts by a pitcher while he is touching the pitcher’s plate is a balk: a. any feinting toward the batter or first base, or any dropping of the ball (even though accidental) and the ball does not cross a foul line (6-1-4); b. failing to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base (occupied or unoccupied) when throwing or feinting there in an attempt to put out, or drive back a runner; or throwing or feinting to any unoccupied base when it is not an attempt to put out or drive back a runner; Also, I'm sure this has been discussed but after doing a search I could not find anything. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

In a FED game or lower a tie always goes to the umpire.....

I'll admit this one wasn't the coaches fault. This kid had no regards for anyone. When I told him to get in the box he turned and just looked at me. I wanted to go over there and smack that look off his face. Funny you say this...."Me personally, I would dust off the plate while telling the batter, "if you step out again on a called strike, you will be getting two!" I did just that and also added, "Son, you have a lot to learn.".

HS varsity game. I was wondering if anyone every had a batter ignore your request to stay in the batters box ( or at least one foot) after each pitch. I wasn't sure how to handle this since it's never happened to me in the nearly 20 years of officiating. After each pitch, ball or strike, he'd stroll out, adjust his crap and then get back in at his own pace. You can just see this kid was arrogant with an attitude. Outside of warning him I'd have no problem dumping him but then would probably have to dump the head coach too as soon as he came out. Any other suggestions? Thanks

I don't think it's grasping at all. He's an assistant coach, very short leash to begin with. He accused you of missing two calls, possibly being biased towards one team.

You told him previously "that's enough", there's his warning. When he stated "You missed the call over there before, and now this", he just accused you of cheating. Simple eject.