refump10

So they reiterate a rule that most (all) of the country has decided is unenforceable because it is not realistic and is thus ignored. Just adopt the NCAA rule already! It works to speed up games (which is the point) and is well within the abilities of teams to comply.

Also need to add: the kids are aware of it. I’ve only had three high school games so far, but the kids were well aware of it. Any time I’ve had to yell out to prompt everybody to get going, I’ve had a kid ask, “Is this the clock thing?” Yes it is

Very early in the process, but so far the response has been good. We got very proactive and set out a written protocol for both between innings and the 20-second clock, and had decent communication with our coaches about our intentions (we even hosted a Zoom meeting to discuss with the coaches). We have tracked our game times for the first week and a half and have seen some dramatic results. Obviously, there are going to be some games that are going to run long due to many runs scored, pitchers who can’t find the plate, etc. But the PACE of play is greatly improved. It’s early and we fully expect a couple Sh!tshows, but so far so good

II can confirm there are parts or Kentucky that are enforcing it. We are doing it in collaboration with our coaches in the interest of keeping games moving both between innings and with the “pitch clock”

This. More strikes = better baseball. (Within reason). The game is better when strikes are called.

Justin, I sent you a PM. Got some stuff that might help

Okay thanks. Trying to put together some training materials for my group

Looking for a little clarification in regards to FED rules about a fielder blocking a base without the ball. Specifically, is there guidance about how much of the base can be blocked by a fielder that is permissible? I'm thinking about a standard pickoff at first base where F3 has his foot on the side of the bag facing second base. Thanks.

Fed Rule 2-24-4: A tag out is the put out of a runner, including the batter-runner, who is not in contact with his base when touched with a live ball, or with the glove or hand when the live ball is held securely therein by a fielder. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled or dropped after the touching, unless the runner deliberately knocks the ball from the hand of the fielder (8-4-2h2) Someone (Maven, you come to mind with your rules mastery) can correct me if I'm wrong, but I equate the action of a tag with the action of a catch. That is, a player has to demonstrate secure possession of the ball throughout the "continuing action" of the play as demonstrated by control of one's body and/or voluntary release of the baseball. I distinctly remember a video clip from the CWS a couple years ago where F1 fielded a bouncer close to the first base line and dived to tag the batter-runner and lost control of the ball when he contacted the ground (well after the tag was made). The umpire was miked and you could hear him explain to the coach that the pitcher had to demonstrate "control of his body" throughout the play.

Thanks Maven. I got a little "tunnel vision" and didn't expand my thinking to the hindrance part of the equation. This is another case where I wish FED would clean up the rule and conform with OBR (and college) and just get rid of the "thrown" and "throw" words. Deleting those two words would fix it.

I was reading the other thread about the RLI called in a Little League game. The discussion went briefly to the HS interpretation of the ruling. I thought I would move over to the High School section to continue that part of the discussion to avoid high jacking the other thread. There was a quotation in one of the posts that quoted and interp from 2004: SITUATION 19: B1 bunts and F2 fields the ball in fair territory in front of home plate. B1 is running in foul territory when F2, in fair territory, throws errantly and hits B1 in the back. B1 continues running and touches first base. RULING: The play stands. F2 made an errant throw. Although B1 was not in the running lane, his position did not interfere with F2’s throw. (8-4-1g Exception)" My confusion over this interpretation is that I thought in FED that quality of throw is not a factor when determining RLI. I also note that in the 2017 Rule Book, there is no exception listed to 8-4-1g. I think this ruling should correct, but I'm having a hard time seeing how this ruling conforms with the rule as written. Thoughts?

In college ball, that is correct. There is no such arrangement for high school, although I think a couple of states have adopted the college rule. There is no such provision in pro ball

I had this pop up yesterday with a little twist. Pitch up and in hits the batter's hand. I award him the base and DHC comes out and asks where this pitch hit him. "It hit his hand" "But the hand's part of the bat!" "No Joe, that's not correct." It went back and forth like this for a bit and finally Joe walked back to the dugout convinced I didn't know the rule. Whatever, he went back to the dugout and life went on. His team got blasted 20-1.

I saw him a couple of years ago when he was a sophomore. Very smooth, deceptively fast cause he doesn't appear to be expending any effort, but man he covers some ground. Louisville might have a hard time getting him on campus in the fall. Somebody told me that he is being projected as a top ten pick in the draft. Don't know if that's true, but that would mean a lot of money for him when he signs a contract.

Sorry to answer my own question, but I think I found the answer to my question. Case Book 3.1.1 Situation N. Without regurgitating the whole thing, this is considered a projected substitution. A courtesy runner is only allowed for either the pitcher or catcher on defense before coming to bat, since projected substitutions are not allowed.