rinbee

Hi guys i had a 12u game under OBR. It is not unusual to have runners sliding safely into a base requesting time. I usually grant it once I am convinced they have secured the base and there is not other possible action on the field. Today rubbers were yelling for time the second their hand touched the bag. One runner was tagged out when he stood up assuming time was called. What is the general consensus on granting time out requests in these non-emergent situations? Thanks for your opinions.

What you describe is not technically an appeal as in a missed base, leaving early on a caught fly ball, check swing where the umpire is obligated to rule on the appeal. An umpire is not obligated to get help on a judgement call. I believe you should only do so when there is the possibility your partner really has a better view. I have coaches ask me for help from the PU on a runner caught stealing second. Unless I got screened or a bug flew in my eye I will politely tell the coach I had the best position and don’t need help. I used to be more accommodating but coaches started getting nit picky and abused the privilege.

Don’t give up. What works for me is staying calm, professional and respectful. I am in control of the field but I don’t have to be an ahole about it. Also say as little as possible. Coaches will find something to hang you on. Never say “I think” or “it looked like”. Be decisive and brief. “My zone coach.” “Throw beat the runner.” I always say at pregame conference that judgement calls are not debatable and these include ball/strike. I also remind myself I am there for the players and enjoy what I’m doing. Have fun!

F1 comes set with R1 on first. F1 is taking signs and nodding his head up and down, again after already coning set. Is this considered a balk? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sorry, I was citing the 2015 edition which was reorganized. In earlier editions it is 7.08(c)

Wow. Don't have to get personal Blue. I know plenty of "legitimate" umpires who will not punish a runner for turning into the field as long as there is no perceivable intent to advance. If rounding 1B is not up for debate why not state it explicitly in OBR? I guess in your judgment the runner who turns toward foul territory is looking for a seat in the stands. OBR leaves plenty of room to exercise judgment. Park the attitude and keep the discussion professional and constructive.

That's fine. Your judgment, not mine. Leave it at that.

Again, a judgment call as to whether the running is considering an advance or just locating the ball before returning to 1B. Simply rounding the bag is not enough to assume advance. A runner could go straight down the line or turn to foul territory and then feint an advance which would put him in jeopardy. Again OBR does not stipulate in which direction a runner must turn to have overrun protection.

OBR says a runner is not in jeopardy if he returns immediately to the base. 5.09(4) Exception. OBR does not stipulate in which direction the runner must go – directly down the line, into fair territory or into foul territory -- only that he returns immediately. This is a judgment call, so a runner who rounds 1B as on a hit is not necessarily in jeopardy if he stops and returns immediately to the bag. In this case I would give very little leeway. Any hesitation on the part of the runner and he is in jeopardy in my book.

Ground ball hit to F6 with R2 stopping right in front of F6 on way to third. There is no contact by R2 with the ball or fielder but he is screening the fielder from the ball. I do not see anything in OBR but would you call the INT? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk