Dean

You could say, about the pitcher, "That's Nothing - The batter caused it"; depending on circumstances - like OC starting to yell "that's a balk!"

Ernie Stewart and Cal Hubbard are supposedly the two umpires that made that call - From "The Men in Blue" book.

Awesome, read that one in a story about Cal Hubbard making that call. Never really thought about that scenario before.

How would a batter get to third base on a foul ball?

Football Friday Night Lights! Second game of the season tonight. (Other than a couple of JV games.) Glad its not 30 degrees and snow....yet. That will be on the 2nd to last game I am sure. (And usually the first few games of Baseball, )

Acting their age . . . Yes, they were, and we all know that is expected. We also are aware that inappropriate behavior should be disciplined. Just because it is "acting their age" does not make it acceptable behavior. "It's one thing to spill the milk, it's entirely a different matter that one didn't clean up the spilled milk." One is an accident - or clumsiness, the other is a choice. And you were in the dugout so you know the coaches did nothing - right? This isn't a pissing contest. - I did watch the game and several batters had poor sportsmanship. Even the TV announcers commented on the behavior. The coaches may very well have tried to do something. you and I do not know.

Acting their age . . . Yes, they were, and we all know that is expected. We also are aware that inappropriate behavior should be disciplined. Just because it is "acting their age" does not make it acceptable behavior. "It's one thing to spill the milk, it's entirely a different matter that one didn't clean up the spilled milk." One is an accident - or clumsiness, the other is a choice.

A mound trip in LL is about calming the waters. I like the speeches.They're appropriate for the age level. I have yet to see a pitch 8" into the opposite box called a strike. the pitch that ended the PA/NV game was close ............. LOL - but given the fact the PA team was showing up the umpire on most every pitch the last 2 innings - It was close enough.

OK it has been a long time since I umpired any LL game or read the rule book, because they don't have one on line. But there used to be - maybe 8.05, (?) that basically said what would be a balk in other levels is an illegal pitch in LL. so someone noted 8.01.b (note) allows for a no stop pitch. is this the only exception? And it sure looked very close to quick pitches for the philly team and not a no stop. The umpire did stop her once and disallowed a quick pitch, (I think because time was still in effect.) and he just disallowed the pitch.

LOL - I don't care where the bat goes, as long as it doesn't come back to the catcher or myself. (sarcasm - well kind of)

I like watching the kids play, I don't necessarily like watching the umpires on the field - like I do at most every other level.

Interesting predicament. Rule 7.01 Comment: If a runner legally acquires title to a base, and the pitcher assumes his pitching position, the runner may not return to a previously occupied base. So this would indicate that the runner may retreat back legally, so 7.08(e)... Rule 7.08 (e) … However, if the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason towards the base he had last occupied, the force play is reinstated, and he can again be put out if the defense tags the base to… the any reason part gets me here Rule 8.05 APPROVED RULING: A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is called out on appeal shall be considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of this rule. As stated by someone else - I don't think this would apply here A strict reading of the rules does not specifically cover this situation. Rule 9.01 © Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules. I would use Rule 8.05 Approved Ruling as a guide and since he legally touched/acquired the base and then retreated I would say it was at his own risk and ignore the balk. Whereas the first situation in the OP, iIMHO, is covered under Rule 7.08 (e).

<br />..... Hardly Well it might if you sound like this: http://youtu.be/Nc52OMftJSk

There are a lot of **RATS** on the ball field, an Umpire should not be one though. **RATS** will always do something that might get them run. Just remember what 3 time, (NCAA, NFL, & MLB - only person in all three so probably knows what he is talking about), Hall of Fame member,Cal Hubbard said...

It's not our job to keep guys in the game if they've taken themselves out. This is a prime example why. I have never let anyone draw a line and stay in the game. By letting that happen, it shows a willingness to be tested--which they exploited. Sometimes? How about always? This isn't forty years ago. Never do this. I'll be a smartass back, in very limited and very particular situations, but I'm not throwing my integrity out with a player. Well you appear not have been in the army. Group punishments can be very effective in modifying unwanted behavior.

This is an Adult Wood bat league, Sometimes it pays to be a smart ass back to these guys. The guy who drew the line, go up to the team while they are all there and tell them that was now the inside pitch so better swing. And call it every time. they bitch just tell them to shut up and swing, that you figured that is where the team wanted them since they drew a line there. Sometimes this isn't appropriate but most adult leagues you can get away with it and after a couple of games, they just play the game.

Thanks - that is what I had as well, but someone put doubt in my mind - so I wanted to confer with the experts here.

thanks didnt answer the question, this wasnt a hit ball. and there was no run down.

3 man mechanics, R1 only, breaks for second and the catcher throws to 2nd and over throws. R1 takes 4 hard steps to third then stops and dives back to 2nd for a close play. Question, Would HP rotate to 3rd quickly on the overthrow to the out field? So U3 could remain at 2nd, and U1 then rotates home on the hard break by R1 to third. or Does HP stay and U3 has it all and must assume a good working position for the play or possible plays? I assume in these U1 would then move into the infield for a possible rundown between 2nd and 3rd. PBUC and CCA doesn't speak to this (that I have found) - just hit balls going through or deflected off a fielder to the outfield

Maybe he is wanting to be Bob Motley?

Seen this 3 times in my career. Batter ducks or moves to avoid an inside pitch and inadvertently his the bat and goes into fair territory. First time was in High School I was base and the plate guy yells "foul ball" - out of habit I guess. I was kind of new so I might have made that same mistake, but I didn't. I learned from his error to have better timing on that and know where the ball goes. Fast forward a few years and in a men's wood bat league, I was plate - pointed fair and catcher tag the batter who didn't move at all. Last Friday night in district play in HS, 2 out bases loaded - bingo, I pointed fair - right to the pitcher who threw home for an easy third out.

Just for fun, but really happened.... Two man mechanics - HS game, but using CCA mechanics. No one on, trouble ball to right field line. U1 goes out and indicates "no catch" Play ends and the defensive team appeals that the runner missed first base. The Plate umpire points to U1 and said, "That is his call, what do you have?" After the game home plate is straightened out, and home plate said to his U1, "Well we are going to change that, The Base umpire needs to look back over his shoulder and get that call. That my friends is the "Ron" Mechanic.

1. been answered above. 2. Don't let your partner eff up a pro-testable rule. (unless he insists and over rules you on HIS call-not your call - then let him die with it)

Hey, with no runners, play at 1B on the BR: I'll be 45 feet away. Been with a lot of partners over the years that are 90 feet away.