urout17

Thank you both for taking the time to answer.

Fed rules. Nobody one, nobody out. Batter strikes out swinging and ball gets away from the catcher. BR easily beats the throw to first. After running thru the bag, BR returns to first but does not immediately re-touch the bag and is actually standing next to the bag talking to the first base coach. First baseman now with the ball tags the runner and the BU calls him out. I didn't see this happen nor was it a game I was working, I'm hearing this second hand. My question is, what is the "time limit" that a BR has to return back to the bag? Thanks.

No problem....nice job.

Sorry, I thought we were talking about the pitchers front leg position, whether it crosses the plane or the landing of that front leg. In the deep C position you can also see whether the pitcher is pushing his luck with the 45 deg landing. Like I said, just a thought.

You're correct LMSANS, I must not understand your question. AlStripes 17, the OP says runner on R1. My suggestion is for just this scenario. You can easily make your call on a stolen base at second with a few steps forward, again you'll have a 90 degree angle of that play. I'll sit back now, keep quite and just read.

Here's a possible solution....If lines are marked on the field there should be a 45' line marked for the running lane half way up the first base line. If you position yourself in deep C, lineup yourself and the pitcher with this 45' mark. This position gives you a perfect angle for a balk call on a lefthander and also provides you with the correct angle to make a pickoff call at first. We were always taught angle over distance. Hope it helps.

Any input on the obstruction call in last nights game? Sorry I wasn't able to upload a link to the play but if you go to MLB.com the play is right on their home page.

General rule of thumb for my kids was no curve balls until you're old enough to drive. Being able to spot a 3-1 change up is a great weapon to have.

The BR tripped on his own and tried to blame his stupidity on F2. I have nothing.

Bam, Wow, sorry to offend. I didn't think it was a bad thing to have played. At that time in my life that's what I was doing and it helped pay for school. As I got older and still wanted to be in the game I saw a need for umpires so I attended classes, training sessions, etc... I read the case and rule books often to stay up on everything and so far I think I'm not doing too bad. Nowhere in my OP states that higher level players make better umpires. Now I know why I stay off these forums to post. I'll go back to just reading now.

UmpJM, no it wasn't Highland Park, just tossing this topic out there. I've been reading this website (and a few others) for a number of years and have never posted anything. I sometimes get discouraged when I read about ejections that guys have and wonder how many of their issue(s) could have been resolved with a little foresight. I also wonder how many umpires have really played the game at a higher level (college, etc...). I've been on the umpiring end of things for going on my 17th year and love it! I truly believe it makes me a better umpire having played and knowing what players are trying to do (or trying to get away with). I believe some guys get so caught up in book rules (I know they're put in place for a reason) that they don't know how to work a game with a little preventive maintenance. I'm sure a number of you have worked with someone like this. Thanks

Playing devils advocate here but isn't the plate meeting their team warning? I was watching my kid play a few years ago when he was in HS and the PU tossed him when he stepped in the box with a necklace on which I thought was knit-picking but oh well. It was funny to see the HC go off on his team in the dugout after that one. Thanks guys.

I'm assuming/hoping everyone does a plate meeting for a NFHS varsity game? When both head coaches confirm their players equipment is good and they're not wearing jewery what do you guys do when a player does come up to bat with a cracked helmet or is wearing anything but a medical necklace/braclet? Personally, I really have a hard time discipliing a kid (kid, hell some of these guys are 6'-5") for something like this although I know it's a rule. I give each batter a once over when they step in the box and 9.5 times out of ten they're ok but once in awhile they will still step in with the occasional necklace. I just tell them to take it off instead of opening up a mess I don't need. Thoughts?? Thanks for everyones input.