Verbal interference?

[keydetpiper]

I thought I had answered this question myself, but then I read the rule again and it's not it. Your help is appreciated.

Watch this video of a steal attempt at 2B.

Is there a rule that applies to this situation? The closest one I could find was 4.06 (a) 3(B): no player, coach, etc shall "...employ any word or phrase or commit any act while the ball is alive and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit a balk." This isn't a balk situation, but it seems to be within the spirit of that rule.

[Mr Umpire]

In FED, this may be true. In OBR, call him out if tagged. In higher ball, F4 better have happy feet at the plate. Don't get cemented in the batter's box.

Why would you call anything? He has 2 coaches out there to help him. If they aren't doing their job, why should the umpire do it for them? Again, it is legal deception b/c there is nothing illegal about it in OBR at least. Also, there is an umpire less than 10 feet away he can ask if a foul ball was called. And, if it was foul, the umpire would have been sending him back.

IMO, umpire overstepped and interfered with the game. Runner is out if tagged while off the base.

[mstaylor]

If it's LL you can get the verbal interference, also in Fed. I have seen this clip before, the BU doesn't step up and own the call. If you are going to do that, warn the fielder, and tell the coach what you have when he complains. The umpire was very lackadaisial about his enforcement.

[JaxRolo]

If you do call Interference wouldn't you award the next base?

[sdix00]

If anything this would be Verbal Obstruction, not interference.

Verbal OBS is only illegal in FED. ( 2-22-1: Intentional, Unintentional, Physical, AND Verbal)

I would only call Verbal OBS in HS and only during continuous action.

"Dude, it was foul. Go back." is bush, but not illegal anywhere.

[mstaylor]

I can't believe I said interference not obstruction. Nonetheless it is verbal obstruction, in Fed or LL. Just put them back on the base and warn the fielder, any other crap they go away. Bush equals unsportmanlike and should be handled.

[keydetpiper]

Ok, thanks for your feedback. What I take away is that it's a dirty trick and not within the spirit of baseball, but not illegal at most levels. I'd give 2B a warning and suggest he keep his mouth shut in the future.

[Rich Ives]

I can't believe I said interference not obstruction. Nonetheless it is verbal obstruction, in Fed or LL. Just put them back on the base and warn the fielder, any other crap they go away. Bush equals unsportmanlike and should be handled.

So Mike - just where is verbal obstruction in the LL book? :wave:

[mstaylor]

It's not but it taught at every clinic hosted by the guys from Williamsport. If they say enforce it then that's good enough for me.