someoneinca

I have not read that, but I have read something similar. Maybe you are confusing the two? "With a runner on first base, and the runner attempting to steal second, the pitcher may make a complete turn, without hesitating toward first, and throw to second. This is not to be interpreted as throwing to an unoccupied base." If he disengages, he can do what you stated above, but as long as he is in contact and steps toward first, he has to throw there.

I would call a balk because he did not complete a throw to first and the jump move is considered as being in contact.

Unless it is intentional, don't call interference. Runners do not have an obligation to disappear, just to not intentionally interfere.

Once when I was behind the plate on a LL Minors game, a kid saw a pitch coming on the inside corner and thought it was going to hit him. When he tried to turn out of the way, his back leg ended up on the inside part of the plate. Of course, I called the ball dead and called a strike and said his leg was on the plate. Instead of everyone on his team freaking out and saying it hit him so he should get first, I overheard one parent say, "This guy's good."

a) safe B) safe c) HTBT, though if he started for third, then out Using LL rule 7.08© ARs (1) and (2) This is a weird sitch though because my LL Rule Book states he can be touching either the bag or the point marked by the dislodged bag. But my LL Rules Instruction Manual 7.08© AR 2 states that he can be safe only if touching "the point marked by the dislodged base" and says he is out if touching the dislodged base. In this sitch, I would go with the book because that is what everyone has.

Thank you. When I looked at it the way you suggested, I realized that you can interpret it to mean that in order to become an infielder, the pitcher must step off backwards. I ordered a copy of J/R Sunday night, so that should help me with some of these situations. I have also been going through the Little League Rules Instruction Manual, but it didn't mention either of these situations. Thank you once again for your helpfulness. I have noticed that this forum seems to be the most civil one out there and I appreciate that along with everyone who keeps it that way.

Ok, thanks. I wasn't sure which rule to use because there isn't a rule that specifically states he has to step off to the back with the pivot foot (it just says disengage with the pivot foot first). I was curious because the same people instructed me to use the "looks like he's going home" for this as instructed me to use the "deceive the runner" part for turning the shoulders.

I have a balk question then: When a pitcher disengages by stepping in front of the rubber with his or her pivot foot and does not throw to a base (either with a jump step or just stepping off in front instead of in back), which part of the rule would you use in calling a balk? Would you say that it appears to be a move home to the runners?

I have never actually utilized that note, I have only used the specified provisions (a-m) and the ARs when enforcing the balk rule. I can see how using the feint to first works much better. I was just reiterating the instruction given to me by district umpires. Thanks for correcting me though. You can always learn something new about the rule book.

I was instructed by veteran district umpires to rule it as an attempt to deceive the runner under rule 8.05 Note. Rule 8.05 Note:"the purpose of the balk rule is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner." This is how I was taught to call it.

I liked his EJ move and how he stares at the coach afterward.

I do LL Juniors and Seniors which are basically OBR. I do not allow them to turn their shoulders after they have come set. Although the rule book does not specifically state this, it is considered an attempt to deceive the runner.

I train kids as well and agree with everything jjb said. I have found that they need the most instruction on selling the call because they will usually just mumble it on their first few times. The other thing I have noticed is that they tend to be stationary.

I saw another video from that same user but with a different person who was explaining the duties of the umpires. He referred to the umpires as "outfielders" and said "on a major league level, there is generally an outfielder at every base"

I saw these on youtube a few days ago. I was also concerned that someone would try to umpire based off of his instructions.

Today is the catcher. Tomorrow is the pitcher. I Don't Give a Darn is the shortstop.

I agree

Thanks. I haven't had a chance to go back and read the book yet this year. I'm waiting for the 2009 book which I get at the end of the week.

JM, If R3 scored before R1 missed second, would you allow the run to score since an appeal is not considered a force play? According to my copy of LL rules, which I do not know how similar they are to OBR, states: "A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made ... by a preceding runner who is declared out because that runner failed to touch one of the bases (appeal play)." In this case R1 is a following runner, not a preceding runner so it seems to me that the run would be allowed to score if R3 had crossed the plate prior to R1 missing second. Correct me if I am wrong though.