Bench Jocking

[ERW27]

My parter last night said he has been trying to get this team for a "cheap" play, but before he does wants to make sure his ducks are in a row. I have nothing but I siad I would everyone here.

 

Situation. man on base (doesn't matter which or how many)

 

A legal pickoff or attempted pickoff is made. The fielders and bench (including coaches) start yelling to get the ball, throw it back in, what are you doing etc..... All in attempt to get the runner to step off the base.

 

I witnessed it last night on a attempted pickoff a second. F6 ran out to F8 who was running to Right center to retieve the "bad throw" Everyone starts yelling and I was trying to hear the base coach, but the defensive team was too loud for me to hear (I am sure the runner couldn't hear him either).

 

Do we just let that go? I am sure if that works one day someone will end up with one in the earhole as a result. Preventative Umpiring. Thoughts?

[Thunderheads]

like this , ....kind of

 

'>

[ERW27]

Yep that looks like it, but the play I don't have the issue with. The bench errupting I do.

[Thunderheads]

Yep that looks like it, but the play I don't have the issue with. The bench errupting I do.

trust me, that video wasn't a "silent" field when they did that

[BalkHawk]

I don't see why we need to get an out before drilling someone.

[maven]

Since you posted the question in the HS forum, I'm assuming FED rules.

 

Your play is verbal obstruction. It's one thing to pretend the ball got away, which is legal. The verbal (and non-player) additions are illegal. 2.22.1A

[Thunderheads]

Since you posted the question in the HS forum, I'm assuming FED rules.

 

Your play is verbal obstruction. It's one thing to pretend the ball got away, which is legal. The verbal (and non-player) additions are illegal. 2.22.1A

good lord

 

[maven]

 

Since you posted the question in the HS forum, I'm assuming FED rules.

 

Your play is verbal obstruction. It's one thing to pretend the ball got away, which is legal. The verbal (and non-player) additions are illegal. 2.22.1A

good lord

 

 

 

For that one, I believe you omitted the comma: "Good, lord!"

[noumpere]

It's the "Miami Play."

 

If the defense is not yelling things the offense would be yelling ("run to third") or the umpire would be yelling (maybe no examples here), then it's legal.

[ERW27]

Right, that is discussion we had. They are making noise to confuse the runner to get him picked shouldn't be allowed. From what I heard they do this every game and would hate to be the umpire to call on them for frst time and not be able to sell the crap out of what I have.

[maven]

It's the "Miami Play."

 

If the defense is not yelling things the offense would be yelling ("run to third") or the umpire would be yelling (maybe no examples here), then it's legal.

 

I have not heard that condition on verbal OBS, but it's a pretty good one.

 

It is not, however, necessary for OBS, even if it is sufficient. The case I cited, 2.22.1A, has it, but the "ball against the fence" case (8.3.2J) doesn't.

 

The latter isn't exactly "verbal" OBS either...

 

The involvement of the bench here tilts the scales for me.

[catsbackr]

I got nothing.

[ALStripes17]

It's the "Miami Play."

If the defense is not yelling things the offense would be yelling ("run to third") or the umpire would be yelling (maybe no examples here), then it's legal.

I have not heard that condition on verbal OBS, but it's a pretty good one.

It is not, however, necessary for OBS, even if it is sufficient. The case I cited, 2.22.1A, has it, but the "ball against the fence" case (8.3.2J) doesn't.

The latter isn't exactly "verbal" OBS either...

The involvement of the bench here tilts the scales for me.

If the defense is not saying anything to the runner, I've got nothing.

Why is verbal OBS in the FED rule book?

I believe umpiring a play like this goes along with knowing and enforcing the 'spirit of the rule' rather than twisting the rule to fit the situation.

[Kevin_K]

Here is a question from last year's NJ Fed test:

 

With R1 on second base, F1 wheels and fakes a throw to second on a pickoff attempt. As R1 dives back to the base, F4 and F6 run into short center field as if chasing an errant throw. R1 seeing this, takes off for third base where he is thrown out by F1.

 

a. R1 stays at third because he is awarded the base on obstruction. 

b. No obstruction occurred. Return R1 to second base. 

c. F1 must throw to second base when it is occupied. Call a balk. 

d. Ignore the play. 

e. This is an unsportsmanlike act by the defense. 

f. This play is legal and not considered unsportsmanlike. R1's base coaches have the responsibility to keep the players informed.  

 

 

As per the case book below, and the test makers, this play is legit. I think its a horse s$$T play, but that doesn't make it illegal.

6.2.4 SITUATION E:

 

With R1 on second base, F1 wheels and fakes a throw to second on a pickoff attempt. As R1 dives back to the base, F4 and F6 run into short center field as if chasing an errant throw. R1 seeing this, takes off for third base where he is thrown out by F1.

 

RULING: This is legal and is not considered unsportsmanlike conduct. R1's base coaches have the responsibility to keep R1 informed.

[spiritump]

let it go

[Minnz]

Noting to see here move on.  If the player and coach are dumb to lose track of the ball it is their fault.  As long as the pitcher isn't on the mound for hidden ball trick after that is.

[VolUmp]

I despise this play.  As long as offensive players and base coaches continue to fall for it, let it go.

Perfectly legal.  Perfectly bush league.  Makes the defense look perfectly stupid when it doesn't work.

[MrBlue2U]

What's with all the anger, hate, and judgmentalness? Horses--t? Bush League? Despise this s--t?

Let us not forget the fun and magic of playing the game. This is gamesmanship and competition. Don't hate it because it challenges the opponent (OR YOU) to be better.

That said, if overdone, it can easily become annoying, but then they lose the element of surprise and start looking foolish.

[etignor11]

I agree with MrBlue2U.  If the runner is gullible enough to fall for it, then he should be out.  I'm 38 and still play in 2 wooden bat leagues and I would never jump off the base without knowing where the freaking ball is.  I don't give a crap what everyone else is yelling, ultimately it's my ass that is gonna look silly out there so I pay attention.  Plus when you dive back into 2nd, you should be looking away from the incoming throw and you would see if it gets away or not (and keeps you from getting hit in the face).