Anybody call a Fourth out?

[Mister B]

Learning about the fourth out. Anybody ever have the opportunity to call one of these? 

[noumpere]

Yes, I have.  Probably 2 every 6-8 seasons.

[maven]

2 hours ago, noumpere said:

Yes, I have.  Probably 2 every 6-8 seasons.

Watch your post get "voted" above mine. It already has more "likes." Hmph.

[maven]

Yes, I have. Probably 1 every 3-4 seasons.

Is that your only question?

[Mister B]

What level? It seems like it's the perfect storm for 13u and below, but I can see it happening in HS. 

For me, it's a reminder that the inning isn't over until it's really over. 

[Jimurray]

I never had to rule on that. But I did +1 @maven before I realized @noumpere had a better retort earlier. Is there a way to make sort by date the default:)

[noumpere]

27 minutes ago, Mister B said:

What level? It seems like it's the perfect storm for 13u and below, but I can see it happening in HS. 

For me, it's a reminder that the inning isn't over until it's really over. 

Why would it be a "storm?"  One team doesn't run the bases correctly; one team notices and knows how to appeal.

 

I get that for that age level it's a "strange" rule -- but so are lots of other things that happen.  It doesn't have to be a "storm."  And, if a storm is developing, the umpire can make the storm cloud go away.

[Mister B]

I don't think of a storm as a bad thing. A big thunderstorm on a hot day is downright beautiful. Maybe "perfect ingredients" would have been better. You've got players who are really just starting to understand the game and more coaches who have a much better grasp of the rules. 

I would just expect it to happen less as the skill level increases. 

[kylehutson]

6 hours ago, maven said:

Watch your post get "voted" above mine. It already has more "likes." Hmph.

In fairness, @noumpere's was funnier in context.