chuck

Relative rookie opinion, but here it goes. No book handy, but I believe that intent is not required for interference, right. R2 interfered, so batter is out. I would rule obstruction based on R2's actions leading up to contact. If he was unaware of fielders approach from behind, or was looking at his coach, etc., I rule obstruction and award him 2B, as he wasn't attempting to advance. If he was holding his ground in an attempt to hinder, then it's interference, which didn't matter as catch was made, and he's tagged out after train wreck. But, then again, was it automatically obstruction, due to contact by fielder, impeding his right to a base, without the ball??

We've started LL All Star Tournament play down here in FL. 9 - 10's started last Friday and luckily, last night was first rain-outs. 4th was an off day, but will be played now for make-ups. Rain chances still high today. I have done 3 games so far. Pretty good ball for 9 - 10's. 11 -12's and 13 - 14's start Monday. So, there will be plenty of games to work. There are a couple of nights with 6 games going on at one time and we work 2 man for all. We will be working 4 man for at least finals, hopefully in all levels. Hope to get selected for that! Have a great 4th!

I wear one single visioncontact (Optometrists call it monovision) most of the time. Wear it in the dominant eye, right one that happens to have a slightly stronger prescription, it is a little weaker than the left. But, the left has more astigmatism, and therefore doesn't correct as well. So, I see distance with right eye corrected, and read with left eye uncorrected. Driving is not affected in daylight, but both are needed at night. But for games and playing tennis, I prefer both eyes corrected for better depth perception. That is why I don't buy many of the multi focal. I just use them as needed. It works for me, but at least for now my scripts are relatively low, -1.25 and -1.50.

I also where contacts and need cheaters, especially for night games. But, recently discovered bifocal/multifocal contacts. They actually work. My experience with them so far is quite good. The distance correction is as good as the single vision lenses, and the reading, while not as good, is acceptable. I sometimes where for work, but usually just for calling games. Cost is more, but if you only use them for games, you can reuse them for a while.

Thank you, makes sense to me.

I see it done both ways. My recollection from a clinic by LL District UIC was, announce count, and show balls on right hand, strikes on left hand (holdin indicator). My rationalization is that from the field players and coaches read from their left to right, first balls then strikes. However, I see many umpires doing it the opposite. Advice?

Little League rules. 7.08(f). Had a discussion last night with 2 other umpires, League President and a JV high school coach. I told them my interpretation of the rules that a runner touched by a batted fair ball is out, even if standing on a base, provided it has not passed a fielder with opportunity to field, or runner is standing on base and fair ball is an infield fly. They all said no way. HS coach added even if so, then runner on 2nd could not be out, as the ball would have passed pitcher. I seem to recall that there was a "passes a fielder, other than the pitcher" exception, but not in the LGB at this rule. He also said if so, it was a LL rule only and HS base is safe haven, anyway. What do you guys think?

mst, Thanks. I also had nothing. But, just getting started in umpiring, along with coaching. You're right about the habit. Will work with him on that. Also, thanks for the welcome. Been lurking for a few weeks, really enjoying the site. Learning, and reinforcing.

New sitch, new guy... be gentle. Coaching JR LL game last weekend (Big field, OBR). Opposing coach is complaining to umpire that our lefty pitcher is balking... because he is staring at R1, and then delivers a pitch without looiking in to the catcher, again. Ump tells me about it after game, and laughed it off. Then coach stops me in parking lot and tells me I need to work on it with the pitcher. I told him I would look it up, never had read it. I didn't think so, reread it, still don't see it. What say ye?