Velho

Separately, is there an issue that from windup with runners on his step was forward*? (1) The Windup Position The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and the other foot free. From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration. He shall not raise either foot from the ground, except that in his actual delivery of the ball to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward with his free foot. * This is his norm with no runners on. This was the first time all year he pitched from the windup with R3 only or bases loaded.

Maybe. I see Barksdale saying "oh, you're doing windup? Ok. Cool. Next pitch." from behind plate. Then 3B coach making noise that interrupted the game which prompts the crew to get together and subsequently declare a balk.

The base points would still be used. Corner bases with corner on point. 2B centered on point. Yeah, I knew you'd get me on that

Yeah, 2B would be difficult to place with 18” 1B and 15” 3B 😂 To add: baseball is bad a geometry anyway. Exhibit #1 - home plate.

Yeah, 2B would be difficult to place with 18” 1B and 15” 3B 😂

I can see how/why you’re reading it this way; instead, I’m reading it from a different way, wherein the (permanent) presence of 18” bases – including 1B – does not disqualify a venue (field) and prohibit (or prevent) a game from commencing. You just know there are strict NFHS Apologists (as umpires) who will take the strict letter-of-the-law to its full degree, and will not let a game start – or worse, will forfeit it – if a double-base isn’t installed / installable at 1B. By including this optional provision, and codifying it, this allows High Schools to use neutral-site, professional or contractual venues without burdening… resources… to accommodate this new HS rule. All that is how it should be. Hopefully they update 1-2-9 appropriately to allow 18" bases at 2B/3B.

Play in question. I read this is "Yeah, I saw him do it. Don't want to call it since it's ticky tack but now that the Offense called it out I have to call it." Like a slight F1 shoulder turn after set in a 12U game. That the pitch then got counted (as a strike) and not wiped off, only to then have it turn into an a K, and have to be unwound is where the real issue and EJ came from. Balk Undclared Coach Called it out SF vs Colorado 2026.07.11.mov

And more exposed to rolling ankles when you hit raised (or mountainous) grass-dirt lips. I used to wear flat soles shoes exclusively off field. Got away from it with back/hip issues (that they probably had nothing to do with) but am now getting back to them now as my year winds down.

If you search Hoka or New Balance on here you'll find threads discussing base shoes. Only thing I'll add is running shoes are fabric so early in the year dew can be an issue (large or small, your call). As for keeping them clean, @The Man in Blue gave the great suggestion of throwing them in the washer (though my wife wants to have words with him about that).

Doesn't this wording imply that only 1st base can be the 18" pizza box? Great catch and too kind. It prescribes only first base can be 18": "Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027."

Seeing it more and more across both MLB and MiLB. You'll notice that only those with good flow and tight haircuts do it. That would exclude me (though my haircut is as tight as you can get ) Maybe @tpatience can chime in on whether they run the harness tighter than normal or something more.

Correct and thank you for the correction. The rule text is below. [I forgot this rule because I've never heard of it actually being called and, arguably, it's not the OP but you are right to bring it up]

There is no rule to support for a second strike or anyone being out (and good on the plate for grabbing the strike) Resume or not, this calls for a warning, dugout restriction, or immediate ejection.

So glad they made this "rule" change to stop this play

LLM conflagration of a play or overthinking it by "others". What base did the runner touch in between leaving and retouching 1B? How many steps short count? 1, 3 or 15? What if the runner is 5' tall or 7' tall? New OBR codifies when the runner has passed, and thus needs to retouch, a base.

I don't see any applicable OBR changes (though the new 2026 5.06(b)(1) language on when a base is passed could be Interpreted in deciding Abandonment. Story on "rule change" https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-shift-baserunning-rules-changes-2025 History for those not aware https://www.mlb.com/news/running-through-second-base-trend I saw an uncalled similar MLB play a week or two ago.

Good catch! MLB rule 6.01 (a) (3) states: Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out. So, we have a judgment call. Was the pitcher making a play at home base? (in this case proximity being the issue) Yes= interference and an out. No= nothing. Acting as the devil's advocate to play out the conversation... So the Manager (in an even tone if they are well trained and prepared) says "So @BigBlue4u you're saying the pitcher was hindered running towards home. However, it wasn't judged Interference because he wasn't making a play at home?"

I follow the line of thought. What rulebook language are you using to explain the call to the defense?

Ms. Teschmacher, please ring up @johnnyg08. He's conspicuously silent. I'd like to hear his opinion.

I use "at home base" as the location where a batter would be guilty of BI. Others argue that any hindrance of "a play at home base" would be BI. Invoking 6.01(b) on this play with two outs, who do you grab as the out?

There is no call unless and until the defense appeals that the runner missed home plate. That appeal has to happen before the next pitch (or play depending on the ruleset).

Yes. Believe it so much they list it twice: 5.09(b)(8) Any runner is out when he attempts to score on a play in which the batter interferes with the play at home base before two are out. With two out, the interference puts the batter out and no score counts; 6.01 (a)(3) Before two are out and a runner on third base, the batter hinders a fielder in making a play at home base; the runner is out;

What ruleset? NCAA has the same as all baseball rulesets: "11.20.2 Exceptions: (1) If a base runner is advancing to home plate and there are fewer than two outs, the base runner, instead of the batter, is out." USA rulebook is difficult to navigate and I can't find anything one way or the other. I don't have NFHS.

Good question. We don't have BI, we have a member of the team at bat failing to vacate and hindering the pitcher. R3 out other runners return. 6.01(b) What's the distinction you're using to invoke 6.01(b) vs 5.09(b)(8) / 6.01(a)(3)?