Dean

​Depending on the age of the players, this is perfect way to stop that none sense. (no one is gaining an advantage) Could this be considered verbal obstruction if the kids runs to second and is put out? (That might be stretching it, but I didn't like the damn coach anyway s )

Set up like you normally do, adjust (and tell the catcher to give you a look) to the catcher who is blocking the zone. It really is on you to see the plate (strike zone). That said, we all know the few catchers that do whatever they want and we cannot get a good look. As others have said - if I cannot see it I cannot call it.

oh missed it will research

thanks - that is what I was thinking (live ball) but just was like questioning myself.

OK, my mind is not thinking this morning on baseball, (curse real jobs). The pitcher cannot go to the dirt? what are the rules. Haven't had this but just drawing a blank this morning on this.

Thanks - I was sure it was all OK, but wanted to check with the smarter ones than me on the board.

Oh I am sorry - I think the the states rules guy may have not understood my poor wording as well. So starting F1 (Abel) pitches to one batter in the inning and retires him; then Abel and F3 switches (f3=Bart), Bart is now pitching and retires a batter, Bart then changes positions with F4 (Charles) who pitches and is hit for a home run. Charles now switches with F8 (Dan) who gets the third out. I assume that is all legal, Now Dan is the pitcher of record, prior to warm ups Abel could begin the next inning and we could do it all over again - is that correct?

Just got a reply from the IHSAA Baseball director the pitcher who starts the inning, can switch positions with any player and return as a pitcher in that same inning after the pitching requirement has been met, anything more than that would not be permitted. So the answer to your question is that multiple players are not allowed to do this. Thanks, Roger

OK The FED rule states:."A player may be removed as pitcher and returned as pitcher only once per inning, provided the return as pitcher does not violate either the pitching, substitution or charged conference rule My Question is how many players may do this "once per inning"? May the 1st baseman move to pitcher (F1 & F3 Flip flop positions), then after facing a batter the second baseman then come in to pitch (f1 and f4 switch positions). Whereas the OBR rule states: Rule 5.10 (d) (older rules books: 3.03 Comment): A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning; e.g. the pitcher will not be allowed to assume a position other than a pitcher more than once in the same inning.

Put yourself in a game situation with this post and think about it this way: if we were your partners and came to you with this information, would you change your call? I wouldn't F*#K up a simple rule. But had I, yes I would "get it right"

Well those of u who think I threw any one under the bus - I didn't he jumped in front of it. But I guess we will need to disagree on this.

Kevin_K. I can see where you may be misunderstanding. any discussion on the field was in passing with the other umpire out of ear shot of players. And not very long. I let him have his ruling and he told the coaches the rule was changed last year, His ruling stood - SO on the field he was backed up. However, the Coaches deserve to know the rule for the next crew, so they are not in a SH*#storm. All the email said was here is the case play on the 3rd to 1st move. And copied the case play. nothing else was said. I firmly believe that is fair for all parties. (separate emails to the umpire and each separate coach. Everyone makes a mistake. So I don't fault the umpire - but like I stated - the coaches and for the umpires them coaches will have the rest of the season, they deserve to have the correct rule knowledge on this play. Oh, and for the record, had I had the incorrect ruling (highly unlikely ) on any rule reference I would do the same for the very same reason.

Ok, so I was doing a Fed game and my base umpire balks this - and insist that it as a rules change and a point of emphasis last year. I am like, no it isn't/wasn't. . He also tells me they took away the feint to 3rd completely . He won't back down so I cannot correct - coaches are unsure and don't know so no SH*# storm. Both were good coaches, I emailed them, (the coaches and the smitty), the case play to make sure they knew the correct rule in the future. What could I do? He made the call and wouldn't listen. now he looks like an idiot.

Get the call right the first time. get the call right the second time. Somethings cannot be fixed most can - the pitcher knew he didn't tag the runner. That is all that needs to be said. Is it a cluster yes. but on this things can be corrected.

I agree he should have took a read step when the throw was off line. However, this is the MLB and this is an everyday FT job. Tell me there are days in your real job you don't get a little lazy and miss something?

I am going with "train wreck" to me F2 may have lowered his shoulder, but may have just looked that way as he turned into the runner for the tag. As for the rest - everyone is ejected and game over, let the state decide consequences . on second look F2 followed through with his arm after he lowered the his shoulder. He should have been ejected immediately as with the 3rd baseman maybe as well (leaving his position to fight) - had these two been "got" the escalation may not have happened.

Umps for Matt Badeaux Go Fund me account for Matt's Widow Hello, The Iowa umpire community suffered a great loss on Sunday. Matt was a 34 year old umpire that lost his life early Sunday and we have set up a Fund account for his widow to help defray the expenses that are associated with this sad event. We all know umpiring is a challenging financial aspect. Please consider donating a dollar or more to help his young widow out. Thank you for your consideration. Matt's Obituary Page

Thanks I needed that laugh My son was pitching in a game this spring. R1 R2. One out. Fly ball over the first baseman's head. PU calls IFF. Ball falls to the ground untouched in shallow left right field. DHC tells the first baseman to step on first and appeal that R1 left early. I bury my head in my hands and bite my tongue. BU grants the appeal for the third out.

I asked this of my assigner - who umpires D1 ball. basically said the same thing as Majordave, but also did say if the manager diverted his path or stopped to talk to another infielder it was a second trip. Any thoughts?

So how many are in the habit of pointing balls hit in that area fair (after crossing that imaginary line, that just sounds so third world)? (I am not)

OK (for FED)- So now who makes the fair/foul call on this batted ball? By mechanics. Sounds like it didn't break the plane of first base, and home plate has the best angle? Better add this to my pregame

try to get in the habit of walking out (to give a new ball to the pitcher) but also getting between the players at the same time. You can then tell how far you need to escort the batter by any actions of either/ any of the players.

Hmmm... no Baseball, but have a Sophomore Football game tonight and 2 ranked Varsity teams Friday night. But Saturday I get to do some High School Fall ball showcase baseball. thinking about finding a third - any takers?

well I was just gonna say - don't do 'em.