A weird play I hadn't seen work before....

[scrounge]

BU for a varsity game tonight, but with lower level high schools (quality of play was more like JV in all honesty). Runner on 2nd, no other runners. Pitcher doesn't wheel around but actually steps off first, then turns and fakes to 2nd, but he acted like he overthrew the ball. 2B and SS act out the fake as well, jumping high in the air and running out to center, just like an overthrow. No fake tag, just some Academy Award level acting.

Anyway, runner takes off to 3rd - with the pitcher in the baseline waiting for him with the ball. Even had me fooled, as I looked back when I heard all the commotion at 2nd (yes, I know - chest to ball. They got me).

Other than that and a close banger at 3rd on a triple, easy night. 4 dropped 3rd strike easy putouts, 8 (EIGHT!!) slow rollers to first base. 2/3 of my out calls and I didn't step more than 3 feet from A position.

[mstaylor]

BU for a varsity game tonight, but with lower level high schools (quality of play was more like JV in all honesty). Runner on 2nd, no other runners. Pitcher doesn't wheel around but actually steps off first, then turns and fakes to 2nd, but he acted like he overthrew the ball. 2B and SS act out the fake as well, jumping high in the air and running out to center, just like an overthrow. No fake tag, just some Academy Award level acting.

Anyway, runner takes off to 3rd - with the pitcher in the baseline waiting for him with the ball. Even had me fooled, as I looked back when I heard all the commotion at 2nd (yes, I know - chest to ball. They got me).

Other than that and a close banger at 3rd on a triple, easy night. 4 dropped 3rd strike easy putouts, 8 (EIGHT!!) slow rollers to first base. 2/3 of my out calls and I didn't step more than 3 feet from A position.

I see it work every once and a while.

[soapbox]

Wouldn't you view this as obstruction?

[Rich Ives]

Wouldn't you view this as obstruction?

Not in my lifetime.

[noumpere]

Wouldn't you view this as obstruction?

Its the miami play and its legal at all levels of baseball. worked a lot when it ws first used but now its common enough that it doesnt work anymore than the third to first move by the pitcher.

[yawetag]

Wouldn't you view this as obstruction?

I'd like to read why you would.

[soapbox]

If a fake tag is view as obstruction, why not this. I was not at the meeting, but one of my fellow umpires explained a play that was viewed as obstruction. R1 goes on hit and run scenario. Catcher seeing he has no chance throws ball up in air as to simulate pop up to F6 and he camps under and makes the play. R1 seeing this retreats to 1B and is tagged out. They called this obstruction. Now I wasn't there, and possibly they stated F6 said "I got it", if you say that makes a difference. Just would like to know where the difference comes in. Thanks for all your answers.

[Rich Ives]

If a fake tag is view as obstruction, why not this. I was not at the meeting, but one of my fellow umpires explained a play that was viewed as obstruction. R1 goes on hit and run scenario. Catcher seeing he has no chance throws ball up in air as to simulate pop up to F6 and he camps under and makes the play. R1 seeing this retreats to 1B and is tagged out. They called this obstruction. Now I wasn't there, and possibly they stated F6 said "I got it", if you say that makes a difference. Just would like to know where the difference comes in. Thanks for all your answers.

That's not obstruction either.

[soapbox]

Well, according to our NJ interpreter, it is. So you have to believe and rule accordingly I guess. If everyone agrees that this is wrong, please let me know so I can clarify. Thank you.

[scrounge]

A fake tag, as I understand it, is illegal because it usually induces a slide and chance for injury. As I recall, the case book specifically says a fake tag is illegal but a fake catch is not. I can't imagine this situation would be obstruction unless there was a fake tag.

[LMSANS]

Well, according to our NJ interpreter, it is. So you have to believe and rule accordingly I guess. If everyone agrees that this is wrong, please let me know so I can clarify. Thank you.

Got a name? Just curious.

[soapbox]

I wasn't at the meeting as I've just completed my Fed course, but my friend who is certified was there and cited it. We are in Essex County Larry. I just want to get it right. I'm not here re-writing the rules, I just want to know all I can and want to continue to learn. Now I'm not throwing anyone under the bus, maybe we have the wrong sit, but he is on this site also and confirms the throw down pop up. If its wrong, ok, but want to be sure as the improbable does happen at times.

[Stan W.]

BU for a varsity game tonight, but with lower level high schools (quality of play was more like JV in all honesty). Runner on 2nd, no other runners. Pitcher doesn't wheel around but actually steps off first, then turns and fakes to 2nd, but he acted like he overthrew the ball. 2B and SS act out the fake as well, jumping high in the air and running out to center, just like an overthrow. No fake tag, just some Academy Award level acting.

Anyway, runner takes off to 3rd - with the pitcher in the baseline waiting for him with the ball. Even had me fooled, as I looked back when I heard all the commotion at 2nd (yes, I know - chest to ball. They got me).

Other than that and a close banger at 3rd on a triple, easy night. 4 dropped 3rd strike easy putouts, 8 (EIGHT!!) slow rollers to first base. 2/3 of my out calls and I didn't step more than 3 feet from A position.

I see it work every once and a while.

legal deke......and like MST I've seen it work now and then............

[Mike Prince]

As long as F4 or F6 doesn't fake a tag after they fake the miss of the fake throw, 100% legal.

[noumpere]

If a fake tag is view as obstruction, why not this. I was not at the meeting, but one of my fellow umpires explained a play that was viewed as obstruction. R1 goes on hit and run scenario. Catcher seeing he has no chance throws ball up in air as to simulate pop up to F6 and he camps under and makes the play. R1 seeing this retreats to 1B and is tagged out. They called this obstruction. Now I wasn't there, and possibly they stated F6 said "I got it", if you say that makes a difference. Just would like to know where the difference comes in. Thanks for all your answers.

That's not obstruction either.

See case 2-22-1 Situation A for some guidance but note that its verbal obstruction. Does someone remember if this case play changed?

[Rich Ives]

If a fake tag is view as obstruction, why not this. I was not at the meeting, but one of my fellow umpires explained a play that was viewed as obstruction. R1 goes on hit and run scenario. Catcher seeing he has no chance throws ball up in air as to simulate pop up to F6 and he camps under and makes the play. R1 seeing this retreats to 1B and is tagged out. They called this obstruction. Now I wasn't there, and possibly they stated F6 said "I got it", if you say that makes a difference. Just would like to know where the difference comes in. Thanks for all your answers.

That's not obstruction either.

See case 2-22-1 Situation A for some guidance but note that its verbal obstruction. Does someone remember if this case play changed?

Yelling "get back" or "I got it" is the obstruction and it's called "verbal obstruction" in the case book.. Without the verbal stuff it's legal.

FED is for wimps as far as this play goes. Stupid runner. Even stupider base coaches.