Catcher's Balk???

[carolinablue]

I'm still not sure the rules clearly say it's CI but if I see a catcher catch a pitch entirely in front of the plate, I will also call CI based on the response of so many of the veterans on this site.

[mstaylor]

Many times in youth games I've called time and asked the catcher to scoot back a little. I'm going to prevent it in a youth game if I think it is going to be an issue. Higher levels the catcher should know what he's doing and if he wants to position himself at the front of his box on a batter that is at the very back of his box. That's his prerogative. I've actually been surprised at a catcher who doesn't get hit.

I leave catchers alone, even in youth leagues. Many guys can work very close and not get hit, when they get hit they will move back.

You can mention to the coach that he is very close or very far away, but let him move him. I like catchers to work as close as possible and be legal. It makes pitches easier to call.

[yawetag]

I'm still not sure the rules clearly say it's CI but if I see a catcher catch a pitch entirely in front of the plate, I will also call CI based on the response of so many of the veterans on this site.

(emphasis mine)

8.1.1F: R1 is on second base. After B2 takes his position in batter's box, F2 clearly reaches out over home plate (a) prior to; ( after F1 has made a movement that has committed him to pitch; or © to receive the pitch. RULING: It is catcher obstruction in both (B) and ©, and B2 is awarded first base and R1 is awarded third base only if he was stealing on the pitch. F2 may not catch the pitch until it has passed home plate. In (a), there is no violation provided F2 and his equipment are removed from the area over home plate before pitcher has made a movement that committed him to pitch. (8-3-1c)

[carolinablue]

Thanks.

[PeteBooth]

(emphasis mine)

8.1.1F: R1 is on second base. After B2 takes his position in batter's box, F2 clearly reaches out over home plate (a) prior to; (B) after F1 has made a movement that has committed him to pitch; or © to receive the pitch. RULING: It is catcher obstruction in both (B) and ©, and B2 is awarded first base and R1 is awarded third base only if he was stealing on the pitch. F2 may not catch the pitch until it has passed home plate. In (a), there is no violation provided F2 and his equipment are removed from the area over home plate before pitcher has made a movement that committed him to pitch. (8-3-1c)[/

QUOTE]

That's why ALL amateur leagues need a Case Book. People talk about FEDlandia but whether or not you like FED rules at least for the most part they EXPLAIN them. The FED Case play makes it crystal clear that F2 cannot prevent B1 from hitting the ball IF he catches the ball BEFORE crossing home plate ONCE F1 starts his motion.

Don't you just "love" those FED rules.

Pete Booth

[Umpire in Chief]

I do absolutely agree with Pete on the case book. It's the best thing NFHS puts out.

[yawetag]

That's why ALL amateur leagues need a Case Book. People talk about FEDlandia but whether or not you like FED rules at least for the most part they EXPLAIN them.

Some would argue that FED needs the Case Book only so we can understand their rules. :Horse:

[mstaylor]

But in OBR we get the MLBUM, the JEA, J/R and the PBUC manuals. Yep, much simplier. I have complained about Fed over the years, still do some, but never about the casebook. The more I study the different rue sets the more the Fed rules make sense for the level it is and the purpose they are made. There are some that still don't make sense but most do.

[Umpire in Chief]

ONe thing I like to do with the case book (when it is able to be done) is get a dry erase board and draw out the situations and do situations a,b,c... seperately as that can be confusing. Drawing it out helps visualize the play and bring it to life so it can be understood better.

[yawetag]

ONe thing I like to do with the case book (when it is able to be done) is get a dry erase board and draw out the situations and do situations a,b,c... seperately as that can be confusing. Drawing it out helps visualize the play and bring it to life so it can be understood better.

I've thought about re-writing the Fed Mechanic to allow for this. Make each situation a page, breaking the subparts (a,b,c) into their own pages as well. In the process, I'd re-label the runners to match what's generally used.

It would take a lot of work to start, but would only take a little bit of work each year to update.