humanbackstop19

2 questions: 1 ) Any intel from anyone on how many/which states will be using the double sided 1st base in 2026? 2) Though not mandatory for use until 2027, the new rules regarding the double first base ARE in effect for 2026 if used, correct? I ask because our state has used if for 30+ years under the suggested rules, which differ from the new guidelines. Our state will need to make some adjustments on how we officiate the double base.

Iowa = Nothing but doubleheaders in our HS summer season. Schools are allowed to play 40 games, but new this year are limited to 25 playing dates to play those 40 games.

Here's the exact wording of the case play in the 2023 book. Situation: With R1 at 1st base, a ground ball is hit to F6, who throws to F4 covering 2nd. R1 slides late at 2nd, stays in the baseline, but R1 makes contact with F4 who is front of the base, causing F4 to overthrow 1st base. Ruling: Providing the slide is legal and the contact is not malicious, there is no violation.

A group I've been working with has been in debate over the legality of slides, particularly on enforcing FPSR. The debate circles around the definition of an illegal slide: Rule 2-32 Art. 2: A slide is illegal if: (c) except at home plate, the runner goes beyond the base and then makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder The "and then" has drawn a huge split. Typically, we have been trained in our state that if a runner slides through a base (except home plate), even in a direct line between the bases, the runner was in violation of FPSR INT. So, 2 questions? 1) If contact occurs legally between bases with a legal slide, is the runner guilty of FPSR if the slide still carries him through the base? 2) Is there anything in the rules book or case books about contact that occurs with a fielder before the runner has a buttock and leg on the ground while sliding directly between the bases? Can the slide become legal with the leg and butt hitting the ground after contact? Example - SS makes double play turn and is in direct line between bases, takes 2 steps towards runner, gets taken out by approaching R1. (So SS is gaining ground into R1 as much as R1 is coming into SS). There is a casebook play that references a legal late slide with contact between the bases not being a violation, but it does not state if the contact occurred before or after a leg and buttock was on the ground.

I recently attended out association's clinic and this play was shared with me. It was a very split opinion in the room who had FPSR on this sequence and those who had "That's nothing". Points discussed were: (1) R1 sliding through and past the base, (2) R1 appears to use a half leaning slide ending up facing 1st base, (3) R1 uses a pop-up slide extending through the base as a retired runner. I am seeking opinions in this without sharing what the final call on the field was after the crew consultation. Apologies for the video quality. The goal is to find some consistency on how to call this type of play. Sub-state final FPSR play.mov

Absolutely have one, use it, and recommend it. I grabbed a TIDEWE brand, black, low profile model on Amazon that fits under my thermal coat. I used it last spring on sub-40 days with some breeze. It's a permanent accessory in my bag from now on during the spring season.

Situation: Offensive team has already used their allotted offensive conference for a particular half inning. After reporting a pinch hitter to the plate umpire, the HC proceeds to discuss strategy with the pinch hitter on the edge of the dirt circle during and slightly after the substitution is noted and reported, thus creating a minor delay to putting the ball back in play. Would you consider this a second offensive conference of the inning? If so, what is the penalty? The rule book only says it should not be allowed and no case book addresses any penalty (that I can find....). I was on the bases when this took place, so did not butt in without knowing the direct penalty, even recognizing it as a violation.

Bottom line. Great play to learn from. Pregame it with all partners all and stay fundamental. 1) Get set on a trouble ball/close play - take the picture in focus 2) Get as many eyes as possible on trouble balls threatening a boundary (2 umpires = 4 eyes on ball, 3 umpires = 6 eyes, 4 umpires = 8 eyes). U2 probably had the best look of anyone on this and U1 probably better than the PU. Some may not like it, but touches are always secondary. Stay set! Process what you just saw. Take your time and make a call. Get together if needed.

Iowa has had the double base for 20+ years. Every HS field uses it as a state mandated adoption, not option. IMOP, in 20+ years being around it as a coach and umpire, it causes more confusion and train wrecks at 1st base than not having one. 1B man routinely cross over to the orange trying to hold the bag to field a throw as the runner arrives and BOOM! Dropped 3rd strikes are a nightmare to officiate as there is no clarification on what bag the fielder has a right to after his initial set-up (batted ball is much more clear)- it just states they can use either bag to retire the runner in this situation. All this, plus it mathematically puts RH batters at even more disadvantage to run through the orange, which they don't.

I'm trying a battery heated vest for under the thermal coat this year. It's pretty low profile. A hanfdul of others have tried with positive feedback. We'll see. I recommend the Nike thermal base layers over the Under Armour.

Thinking outside the box a bit, compare this to football for a second and a free kick out of bounds which the players feet are out of bounds, but the ball is in. It is still a foul for free kick out of bounds. In the baseball OP, we would have the opposite ruling. Touching (on a batted ball) with Ball in & Player out = PLAYER IN, resulting in interference and an out. Just helps me think through it. Sorry if it's way off in RF.

Fresh off my college season concluding this past weekend, I strolled out for my 1st HS game of the year. I knew the pace would be much slower. As an "experiment" I brought my timer out on the bases with me, curious to see how many potential violations of the 20-second protocol from the OP we would have. In one 7-inning game, we had 16 violations that would have met college standards, most of which were going over the 20-second time limit. At the same time, only 1 batter would have been dinged for a violation not being alert at the 10-second mark. I notated all violations with a tally on my visits/conferences card (Yes, I keep one in HS ball, too). Pace of play is a major issue now at the HS level - something needs to be done. I think I will continue to do this a few more games and cross-check data.

Where in the OP was the game delayed? That is the most important part of the spirit of the batter's box rule. If a coach could protest, they would win this one. The batter's action did not delay the P from delivering a legal pitch or any of the runner's progression on the 3-2-2 count.

Appreciate the correction. Had mine a couple years without it. That makes an already great base pant better.

The Gerry Davis pro poly spandex do NOT have an expander waistband.

Never used one before in my life. I worked 3 innings with it on this night before going back to my Cobalt. Had a lot of trouble signaling count and partners.

Pics just posted in the Photography section. Here is a teaser though. It is my favorite.....

I had the honor of working the 1st ever college game played at the Field of Dreams movie site. Here are some of my favorites for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

I had the honor of working the plate on this game. Everything said on the video is correct. In our pregame as a crew and at the plate meeting, anything that would hit the corn in the air would be judged a HR regardless of height.

We have the hats! Might simplify the rest of the look. Depends on the weather.

Great stuff right here! Much appreciation to all input from everyone!

This is a bounding ball, not a fly ball or line drive landing past the location of the fielders or base. In NCAA and MLB, this is NOT subject to video review. Why LL would qualify it for review is absurd. With that, it is a judgment call, which should be U3's call all the way. Right or wrong, in his judgement, the ball was foul - play over!. 4-umpire mechanics, this is U3's call, which should supersede any provision in the rules that the UIC can overrule them. WHY did LL allow the PU, who made a call on the field which was not his, be overturned by less than irrefutable proof on a judgement call by the proper umpire? Fair or foul is not the debate, it's the process of overruling a correct calling umpire. U3's mistake is he did not sell the call and after continued officiating the play.