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TOPIC: Question for the Umps - 2014 |
| Jim_the_Ump
December 9, 2013
11:25:21 AM
Entry #: 4107752
| We heard great comments on last year’s forum posting “Question for the Umps”. So I decided I’m going to start a new thread for 2014.
Post your questions here, and we’ll try and get them answered. Hopefully, it will help clear up any confusion, and give everyone a better understanding of the rules. As always, during the season, if you want to talk to Dave, Dean, Dana, Tim or Jim at the diamond, just track us down and we’ll do our best to explain.
All the best,
Jim_the_Ump
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| Rev Hero
December 10, 2013
1:07:57 PM
Entry #: 4107885
| Why are our umpires so accurate?
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| Moulton
December 12, 2013
7:48:37 PM
Entry #: 4108114
| If the ball hits the plate it is not a strike, so if a batted ball hits the plate and rolls fair, deadball strike or fair ball?
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| DAVID M
December 12, 2013
10:26:09 PM
Entry #: 4108135
| It is a fair ball, home plate like any other base
is in fair territory
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| CC & Coke
December 20, 2013
5:36:54 PM
Entry #: 4108800
| The Ball is hit right back up the middle, Runner leaves on contact...
but the pitcher catches it...... Pitcher tries to throw the ball to first but overthrows it and the ball goes out of play.
Where does the runner on 1st end up? 2nd or 3rd?
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| DAVID M
December 20, 2013
7:00:35 PM
Entry #: 4108809
| The runner ends up on 3rd base, the runner is entitled to 2 bases on a over thrown ball that goes out of play, just because the runner is off the base does not change the call, once a runner attains the base he never loses it
When that call is made by the umpire, the runner must still go back and touch 1st base again and then make his way to 3rd base and must also touch 2nd base on the way to 3rd, if he does not do any of the above the defensive team can appeal the play and the runner would be called out for not touching all the bases
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| CC & Coke
December 22, 2013
5:31:49 PM
Entry #: 4108883
| Thanks for he explanation.
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| Gwat
December 24, 2013
5:31:56 PM
Entry #: 4108959
| Peace on earth to all good men in the USPL especially the umps.
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| DAVID M
December 24, 2013
6:46:58 PM
Entry #: 4108962
| Thanks for the call out, our job is made easier
because of the ball players good nature and understanding of what we do, that is why we have one of the best leagues around
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| Jim_the_Ump
December 25, 2013
10:35:41 AM
Entry #: 4108975
| Ya, thanks guys. Looking forward to another fun, competetive season in 2014.
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| Faux
January 1, 2014
3:31:25 PM
Entry #: 4109282
| Thanks for doing this guys,
I was just wondering if it is allowed to switch to a different bat in between pitches. So like, after the first pitch, can I call time, and get a different bat to swing with?
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 2, 2014
8:49:27 AM
Entry #: 4109314
| Switching bats is acceptable, but please don’t do it too often (like several times in one at-bat, or each and every at-bat).
All the best,
Jim_the_Ump
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| BT
January 3, 2014
7:47:09 AM
Entry #: 4109381
| Haha...I've seen it happen.
The first bat was clearly altered...and they were already out of HR's...he pulled 2 foul about 330 or so...then switched to a different bat to keep it in the park...
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| Jets6400
January 4, 2014
11:44:45 AM
Entry #: 4109477
| Thanks for the explanation....now it seems there are soooo many bats on the fence for most teams, that it's bound to happen where someone grabs the wrong bat and realizes it between pitches...and even though it might be the same bat and weight as the one a batter normally uses, it's still a comfort thing to 'know' that you're going up with your bat....some people have a strange relationship with their bats.
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| Hard Express
January 5, 2014
4:39:39 PM
Entry #: 4109558
| Ok so here it goes.
We are playing this past summer in another league. That league is not run perfectly like the USPL.
Man on first no out batter hits a short pop up between the rover and the CF. CF starts to run for it and starts yelling I got I got. My runner goes back to first thinking the ball is going to be caught. The ball falls no where near the CF (he never had a chance to catch it).
Now my runner starts to run to 2nd and is out by a mile.
Now my question is was this a smart play on his part or is there a rule that this is interference (?) or some thing. Or just poor sportsmanship?
By the way the guy is a real douche. He like to throw behind runners and even hit one of my guys in the head with a throw that never should have been made.
Any input would be great.
Thanks
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 5, 2014
7:21:56 PM
Entry #: 4109570
| The guy might be a douche, but it’s a legit and even smart play. Decoying a runner verbally by yelling "I got it" is not against the rules.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Hard Express
January 6, 2014
9:44:32 PM
Entry #: 4109666
| Thanks
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| Cashman
January 9, 2014
12:04:58 AM
Entry #: 4109888
| Happens all the time. In Rec it's a fairly regular occurance for someone to call a ball they have no chance of getting to. Wether they're poor at judging their speed or the trajectory of the ball. Ideally the SS or 2B should have gone back for it, but again that's rec.
And even if he did call it with an attempt to fool the baserunner - the runner at first should have gone halfway or at least given herself a decent lead in case the ball fell in, instead of retreating all the way back to the bag. The only time you should plant yourself on a bag with a fly ball is when you're at third and tagging up to score is easy.
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| Ryno
January 9, 2014
8:46:49 PM
Entry #: 4110036
| I see stuff like this happen in leagues all the time, much the same as an infielder "dropping" a routine fly ball to turn a double play. No rules against it, just a douchey thing to do.
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| DAVID M
January 9, 2014
11:52:42 PM
Entry #: 4110065
| Sorry Ryno but you are wrong, if an infielder intentionally drops a pop up in the infield to induce a double play and the umpire makes that judgement, the ball becomes dead, the batter is called out and the runner is placed back to his original base
This is a rule not something made up by an umpire
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| Birkey
January 17, 2014
6:52:06 AM
Entry #: 4110887
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Has this ruled been changed?
EX: play to 1st - Shortstop throws over fence - How many bases?
EX: play to 3rd - Outfield throws over fence - How many base?
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 17, 2014
9:54:28 AM
Entry #: 4110897
| No rule change...the award is *ALWAYS* two bases. If it’s a normal play by an infielder, it’s two bases from the when the ball was pitched. If it’s a throw from an outfielder, it’s two bases from the time the OF’er threw the ball. So in your first example, because the SS is an infielder, the runner would get two bases from the time of pitch which means the runner would end up on 2B. In your second example, the runner would likely get to home (depending on where he was when the OF’er released the ball).
Remember, the moment when the ball actually goes out of play has *NO* impact on the decision. It is solely based on placing runners from the Time of Pitch/Time of Throw.
Hope this helps,
Jim_the_Ump
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| Birkey
January 19, 2014
11:08:20 AM
Entry #: 4111081
| Thanks
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| kavman
January 19, 2014
2:46:53 PM
Entry #: 4111105
| How about this one . runners on 2nd and 3rd 1 out. fly ball , our guy brings it back runner on three tags , runner on 2nd doesnt get back to the bag at 2 and takes off to third. the second out was made on the catch. we appeal the guy at second never tagged up. ump says the runner lefy early and is out but the run counts . we argue its a force play he has to get back to the bag before anything can happen. the appeal was done by throwing the ball to second before time was called . ump says its a dead ball appeal
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| DAVID M
January 19, 2014
7:59:17 PM
Entry #: 4111130
| In this case the umpire was correct,the rule states on any appealed play not a force out all runners in advance of a base runner being appealed out who touch the scoring line before the completion of the appealed out shall be counted
spn rule 8 sec 5 (v) sub 5
In this situation this is not a force out, check the definition of a force out in the rule book
FYI , there are 2 types of appeals, live appeal and a dead ball appeal, a live appeal would consist of the ball being thrown into the infield and before the umpire calls time the infielder throws to a base to get the appealed out, a dead ball appeal exists when the umpire calls time and the defensive team requests an appeal on a runner, it sounds like in your case the umpire had already called time
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| DAVID M
January 19, 2014
8:06:28 PM
Entry #: 4111131
| Just for your info the umpire was wrong in stating this was dead ball appeal, if your infielder threw the ball to 2nd base from the outfield the runner should be called out immediately and then the umpire would have to see if the runner from 3rd base had crossed the line, if he had not crossed the scoring line then the run would not count
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| Larry))
January 22, 2014
10:30:27 PM
Entry #: 4111591
| In another league, my team played against a pitcher, who was litterly 3 or 4 feet away from 2nd base.. when I asked the umpire about it, he told me he doesn't care and to get my rule book out. I suggested to blue that he's probably allowed like 6 feet behind the mound, but pitching from where he was was ridiculous. The league is an SPN league.
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| DAVID M
January 22, 2014
11:28:07 PM
Entry #: 4111597
| The pitching dimensions for spn are as follows
between 50 feet and 65 feet, with a width of 24 inches, the pitcher must be in the confines of those dimensions and if not the umpire should be calling no pitch and place the pitcher into those dimensions
It sounds like that umpire just could not be bothered to enforce the rules, and from what you said seems to have an attitude, umpires like that can ruin a league very quickly, hopefully we dont have umps like that in the uspl, and if we did I can assure you he would not be working long for me
FYI even thought our league is spn we have endorsed our own rules and only allow the pitcher to move back 3-5 feet from the 50 foot position
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 23, 2014
10:56:03 AM
Entry #: 4111640
| As a follow up to this, and I’ve mentioned it before. Sometimes, from the perspective of someone in the batter’s box, it can look like a pitcher is pitching from pretty deep. It’s not always so.
The distance from the back tip of home plate all the way to second base is about 92 feet. So for the pitcher to be “3 or 4 feet away from 2nd base”, he’d be pitching at 88 feet. I would say that this distance is pretty far. I’ve seen guys try and push it out to 70 feet, and we reel them back in, but 88 feet is a really long way away.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Larry))
January 24, 2014
3:47:17 PM
Entry #: 4111856
| Thanks guys.
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| Cashman
January 25, 2014
1:47:07 PM
Entry #: 4111943
| Scenario:
Runners on first and third with 1 out. Ball hit to the outfield and caught. Runner on third tags up and scores. Runner on first does not tag up and ran to second base. Outfielder throws the ball to the second baseman and he tags the runner to get the third out. Does the run score?
I say no, because to me it is a force play and the second baseman chose to tag instead.
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| DAVID M
January 25, 2014
3:26:19 PM
Entry #: 4111948
| The run would count because the runner being tagged is not considered to be a force out
the rule for a force out is. a force out occurs when a baserunner is forced to advance to the next base because the batter has become a baserunner
If the baserunner had been tagged before the player at 3rd base had crossed the scoring line then the run would not count
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| Purelife
January 28, 2014
7:38:43 AM
Entry #: 4112187
| How about this scenario?
The Ball is hit right back up the middle, Runner leaves on contact but the pitcher catches it. Pitcher tries to throw the ball to first but overthrows it and the ball goes out of play.
Where does the runner on 1st end up? 2nd or 3rd?
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 28, 2014
3:50:47 PM
Entry #: 4112248
| Here was Dave Mclean’s message to me earlier this week: “Jimmy, I’m going to NZ and Australia for 4 weeks, so answer all the forum questions, ok? Don’t screw them up! lol”
Hahahahahaha!!!
Anyway, the runner would get 2 bases, so would end up at 3rd base. Remember though, he still has to tag up at 1st before taking his two bases, or risk being called out on appeal.
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| Faux
January 29, 2014
11:08:26 PM
Entry #: 4112382
| Runner is on third headed home and steps one foot over the commitment line(other foot still not over), and heads back towards third but does not touch third and heads home.
Is he out for stepping over the commitment line? Does he have to have both feet over or is 1 enough to be called out?
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| Jim_the_Ump
January 30, 2014
10:22:06 AM
Entry #: 4112412
| As soon as the runner touches or crosses the commitment line with even just one foot, he *MUST* proceed home. That’s why you sometimes see an umpire check the chalk on the commitment line if the runner’s foot has touched that line, he is deemed to have crossed it.
Then, if he attempts to return to 3rd base (even if he doesn’t go all the way back there), he is out immediately.
Hope this helps,
Jim_the_Ump
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| MI5
February 1, 2014
12:05:30 PM
Entry #: 4112662
| How about this call....Runner on first base. Batters hits ground rule double. Umpire sends runner home and batter to second. Said the runner was already on second when ball left field. Also mumbled something about one-plus-one?
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 1, 2014
4:56:49 PM
Entry #: 4112692
| Ah, the old “one-plus-one” myth. Plain and simple, it’s incorrect.
As explained in a post above, when the ball goes out of play, the runner typically gets two bases from the base he occupied when the pitch was thrown. (The only exception to this is when the ball goes out of play when thrown out by an OF’er, and then the runner gets two bases from the time the OF’er threw the ball.)
So in this case, the umpire was incorrect, and the runner should have been placed at 3rd base.
Jim
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| Moulton
February 3, 2014
7:44:13 AM
Entry #: 4112777
| Guy on oposing team threw his glove at a ball hit up the middle. Did not make contact with the ball.
Is there only a call if contact is made where 3 bases are awarded, and if it goes over the fence 4 bases are awarded ? but nothing for the attempt.
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 3, 2014
10:09:14 AM
Entry #: 4112787
| Yeah, as weird as it seems, there is no penalty for just attempting to hit the ball with your glove. Your glove must make contact with the ball for there to be an infraction. And just do you’re aware, the penalty if contact is made is a minimum of 3 bases. The ball remains live, however, and if a runner feels that he can continue on towards home, he is then “on his own” and can either score or be put out at home.
Hope this helps. See you on the diamond in a couple months.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Moulton
February 5, 2014
1:47:21 PM
Entry #: 4112997
| Thanks for the response Jim.
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| LB4LB
February 6, 2014
7:35:51 PM
Entry #: 4113129
| Here is one for you blue, thanks in advance..... a batter from the other team ran to and touch first while still holding the bat. Our player questioned the ump about touching the base while he still had the bat in his hand and the ump said it is legal. Did the ump make the right call?
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 7, 2014
9:06:06 AM
Entry #: 4113155
| The umpire was incorrect. As soon as the player touched first base holding the bat, he should have been called out. The ball remains alive.
SPN Rule 8, Sec. 4K
Jim_the_Ump
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| Hard Express
February 8, 2014
4:07:18 PM
Entry #: 4113290
| I was told by an ump in the York league that a player could run the hole base paths with the bat in his hand as long as he didnt hit the ball again with the bat. I know its dumb but thats what I was told. And hes a good ump.
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 9, 2014
4:38:36 PM
Entry #: 4113355
| I guess anything is possible, especially in that York Region league. I believe that York Region uses the SPO Ontario rule set, and sometimes rules can be slightly different.
But in our league, we use SPN rules modified slightly with our own local rules. Since the “carrying the bat to first base is an out” is a specific rule in SPN, that’s what we play with.
On a practical basis, why would you need to carry a bat around the bases? To me, it looks like this is a problem waiting to happen. If he isn’t careful, he could harm himself or another player with this bat. Worst case scenario, he could intentionally injure an opposing player (news flash: bats used a weapon can really do some damage!).
Anyway, so my advice, just drop the bat and run, ok… :)
Jim_the_Ump
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| David W
February 9, 2014
6:30:56 PM
Entry #: 4113363
| The umpire just made a mistake. You cant touch 1b with bat in hand in any association.
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| Birkey
February 10, 2014
8:01:58 PM
Entry #: 4113478
| If he touches the base with the bat he is out....even in the majors..watch old Babe Rurh films and guys would hand the bat to first base coach before they touched the base.
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| Rev Hero
February 14, 2014
7:28:02 AM
Entry #: 4113831
| This happens all the time and was discussed numerous times over the years.
The runner beats the throw to 1st. The ball gets over thrown and the runner decides to goto second.
The question.....does he have to go back and touch 1st based before moving onto 2nd base?
My thought was no, but there were some different avenues of thought on this one.
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 14, 2014
9:09:46 AM
Entry #: 4113841
| Rev,
The short answer is, no the runner does not have to go back and touch first. He can keep going to second without having to re-touch.
However, let’s say that runner actually missed first base when running through. He should then go re-touch. If he doesn’t and then proceeds on to second, the defense could appeal and the runner would be out.
(And, before I get a bunch of comments. Yes, I know that successful appeals are rare in our league. We use a 1-man umpire system, and it’s hard for the guys in red hats to see everything, but we try our best. IF we saw a runner miss a base, and the defense properly appealed, we would call the runner out.)
Anyway, looking forward to the start of the 2014 season. See you on the diamond.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Rev Hero
February 17, 2014
10:25:21 PM
Entry #: 4114171
| Great, thanks for all of this.
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| Knight
February 19, 2014
6:53:17 AM
Entry #: 4114286
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This is a new one to me, maybe someone can explain it. In our mixed league on Sundays one of our players got fooled by a short pitch and just tried to reach out and make contact with it. The ball hit the ground first just before he hit it through the second base side. I thought it would be dead ball and a strike but the umpire called him out saying that because he hit a ball on the bounce he was automatically out. Is that the right ruling?
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 19, 2014
1:20:30 PM
Entry #: 4114308
| SPN Rule 7, Sec 7, Part B. A “ball” is called if the pitch strikes the ground before passing completely across home plate, or any part of the plate. The ball is dead when the legal pitch has contacted the ground. A batter may not hit any ball that lands on the ground in front of home plate.
So, your Mixed League umpire got it partially right. The ball is dead, and the batter cannot hit the pitch, and no action can take place. However, the batter is NOT called out... it is just called a “ball”.
However, there may be a specific local rule in this league that deals with this scenario. Sometimes, local rules are put in place that override National rules.
Hope this helps,
Jim_the_Ump
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| Anchor
February 23, 2014
2:05:33 PM
Entry #: 4114629
| Knight,
If he can't tell if a ball was going to bounce or not and he swung anyways, he was going to get out no matter what. He deserved it, now admit it was you. LMAO.
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| Guy Smiley
February 24, 2014
10:37:15 PM
Entry #: 4114777
| Ok Guy on first and second, hitter hits liner at second, second bobbles it and picks it up and throws two second, then the short stop touches the guy on second then turns it and gets the guy in time for double at first. The kicker is that the guy on second base never moved stayed stuck to his base or may have stepped barely off for a second that may be the deciding factor i guess.... My opinion is its a double play if he gets it to first in time, but what about the guy on second can he just stand there even if it still a force play or does he have to make a step or attempt...... The other stupid thing I guess is he should have just run and probably would have been safe anyways but he didn't run.... Mouthful I know.. Any opinions???
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| Jobber
February 25, 2014
10:03:23 AM
Entry #: 4114811
| Well if I read this right second baseman throws to short touching lead runner (force play) lead runner is out . then you say short throws to first for the force at one (second out) now you forgot to metion runner coming from 1st to second.
You did not say that the short touched the bag so runner going from 1st to 2nd is safe lead runner and batter are out.
To get the triple in this case (if I am reading this right is to tag lead runner then step on second then throw to first.Now if your short steps on second then throws to 1st lead runner could stay on second because there is no longer a force on second.
Ok now lets see if umps say I am right
Jobber
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| DAVID M
February 25, 2014
11:23:11 AM
Entry #: 4114820
| Jobber you are right on the mark, you explained it correctly, all this time you could have been working for me instead of giving up dingers!!!
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| Jim_the_Ump
February 25, 2014
11:36:00 AM
Entry #: 4114823
| It has a nice ring to it... Jobber_the_Ump..
Nicely done, Dave Job. Good explanation.
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| Jobber
February 25, 2014
4:41:19 PM
Entry #: 4114869
| More then just a pretty face here boys lol
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| Bigelow
February 26, 2014
7:12:13 PM
Entry #: 4114981
| We had this exact situation come up in a tournament a few years back. No outs, runners on 1st and 2nd. A low liner was hit to me at 2nd base. I short hopped it, tossed it to the shortstop who proceeded to tag the runner who was still standing on 2B, touched 2nd base, and then threw it to 1st for the triple play.
The other team was argueing that the guy on 2nd base didn't have to leave the bag. I tried to explain to them that the only way it wouldn't have been a triple play, would have been if the shortstop touched the bag, then the runner as this would have taken the force off.
They ended up having the UIC called over, who agreed that the original call of a triple play stood.
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| Bigelow
February 26, 2014
7:12:20 PM
Entry #: 4114982
| We had this exact situation come up in a tournament a few years back. No outs, runners on 1st and 2nd. A low liner was hit to me at 2nd base. I short hopped it, tossed it to the shortstop who proceeded to tag the runner who was still standing on 2B, touched 2nd base, and then threw it to 1st for the triple play.
The other team was argueing that the guy on 2nd base didn't have to leave the bag. I tried to explain to them that the only way it wouldn't have been a triple play, would have been if the shortstop touched the bag, then the runner as this would have taken the force off.
They ended up having the UIC called over, who agreed that the original call of a triple play stood.
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| Peatsum
March 1, 2014
6:51:32 PM
Entry #: 4115237
| Why don't we let the catcher tag a runner at home plate...i feel anyone should be able to tag out the runner between the commit line and home plate line...SPO i don't think you can tag at all....NSA i think you can tag not completely sure...I feel the more rules we add (even if it is for safety) only takes away from the game....besides look at how many people have been hit with balls thrown off target, and the catcher is too affraid to come off the plate to catch it, because he does not want to run back and touch the plate and get beat to the line....I don't agree with a live plate or sliding at home....but tags should be aloud....it even like to see the committ line gone between 3rd and home...run downs would be great....also smart baserunners could use that to help advance the runners. What do you think?
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| Rev Hero
March 2, 2014
1:04:41 PM
Entry #: 4115282
| No tags at home, safety first.
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| MBA89
March 3, 2014
7:20:14 AM
Entry #: 4115350
| There has never been tagging by anyone at homeplate. So what your saying is that home plate should become live. That way you can try and slide into home to avoid the tag, right? That's why there is no tagging at homeplate. There is no collisions at home. If I was caught between homeplate and the commitment line, I'll run the catcher over to get to the plate. Safety is first and if the catcher won't come off the plate to catch a ball, then put him on the bench.
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| xamer
March 4, 2014
8:00:32 PM
Entry #: 4115549
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Hey all, is there any rule (SPN or ASA) that prohibits a pitcher from following his pitch in? I can't remember ever reading anything about it, so I'm curious.
I saw a pitcher last year in a co-ed game and every pitch he threw to the ladies, he would follow it in so that he was about 30 feet from home by the time they swung.
I'm not asking if it was a good idea (lol), just if he was doing something illegal.
Thanks!
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 5, 2014
9:07:04 AM
Entry #: 4115588
| “SPN Rule 6, Sec 3C. After the release of the pitch, which action may include a step forward towards the batter, the pitcher may not continue to move forward, other than the normal forward momentum resultant from the pitch to the batter. If the pitcher continues to move forward in an attempt to distract the batter, on the first offence, the pitcher shall be warned. On the second offence, the pitcher shall be ejected from the game and the batter awarded first base.”
So, one step forward, that’s it. The guy in your mixed league should knock it off, and stop distracting the batters. Plus, he’s taking his life in his hands if there’s a hot shot right back at him. So for safety reasons, he should also stop doing it.
Hope this is what you were looking for.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Faux
March 11, 2014
10:26:34 AM
Entry #: 4116267
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hey i have a question on a rule. Section 7-6e states the batter is out if the batter matter makes contact with the ball (with the bat of course) and any part of his/her foot touches the plate.
in our league, we use a rubber mat for the strikezone. Does this rule apply for the batter just touching the white plate, or also the rubber mat or plywood?
I am also assuming that if the batter swings and misses the ball completely and touches the plate then nothing happens.
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 12, 2014
9:13:26 AM
Entry #: 4116378
| If you step on the mat or the plate *AND* make contact with the ball, you are out.
Just an FYI. This is a different rule than in baseball. In baseball, your entire foot must be out of the batter’s box for this to be called. Theoretically, a guy with Shaq-size feet could have a portion of his shoe on the plate yet still not be totally outside the batter’s box, so he wouldn’t be out. However, if this happened in slo-pitch, it would be an out.
Hope this helps.
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| tuck00
March 13, 2014
1:27:06 PM
Entry #: 4116509
| Worst call in slo-pitch. If you're going to call someone out for
this, he better have stepped on it dead-center. Our umpires are outstanding but how do they look at this and everything else.
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| DAVID M
March 13, 2014
1:37:49 PM
Entry #: 4116511
| tuck00: To answer your question you are absolutely
correct , I have told all my umpires if they are to make this call, make sure it is blatant where the whole foot touches the plate, I have done games where the foot barely touches the plate and the catcher will point it out to me , he has been told if that call was to be made I would be calling out a lot more batters, he understood and all he wants
is to be consistent for both teams
lets not forget this is still a rec league and the players want to enjoy their night , not have umpires take over the game and be the center point of attention
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| Jim_the_Ump
March 14, 2014
9:54:54 AM
Entry #: 4116598
| Agreed. If it’s not blatant, in our league it’s not usually called. Where you see this most often is guys reaching for an extremely outside pitch, and then stepping on the mat or plate to punch it to the opposite field. And 9 times out of 10, the batter knows that he's done it... When your front foot comes down on anything other than dirt, you typically know that something is not right.
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| MI5
March 15, 2014
10:25:21 AM
Entry #: 4116675
| why? the batters box is big enough that there's no reason to step out of it to hit a ball. if you feel the need to you're either trying to gain some kind of advantage, or you're swinging at a ball that isnt going to be a strike.
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| CC & Coke
March 17, 2014
12:18:06 AM
Entry #: 4116829
| This rule is stupid as the jewellery rule. Eliminate it now.
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| Woodsucks
March 17, 2014
10:30:24 PM
Entry #: 4116960
| Your bang on with this bud, I hate to see someone get called out for having a toe on the plate. Nonsense!
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| Oral B
March 19, 2014
7:03:15 AM
Entry #: 4117113
| I would challenge people that need to run up on a ball to hit it, simply put...you're not a great hitter. I have no idea who you're talking about, but i have seen players who do this and its completely unnecessary. Also, shifting your feet around in the box to hit middle or oppo i can understand, but again the box is big enough that you really shouldn't have to step on the plate to do it. You're saying they do this b/c all the homeruns are used up....I say an elite level player who can hit homeruns at will should also be able to control his swing to not hit home runs, especially at Crosby.
By no means am I a slugger, but there's a very distinct difference between when im trying to go deep and when im trying to just put the ball in play.
Again im assuming that a player in an elite tourney/league is actually an elite level player, not just a guy who can hit the ball far with a juiced bat (and i know there are plenty of them).
As for saying umpires calling this rule are just doing it to flex their muscle and show off, i say thats bull. I umpired for several years and the only time I ever felt the need to do that was when there was a nuisance player causing trouble, either with flipping out on every call against him, or purposely trying to bend rules that dont get called often (interference in different circumstances, quick pitches, etc). And even then, i wasnt looking to nit-pick on silly rules, i was just conscious of what he was doing and made sure he was warned or called on it so as not to let it get out of control.
Stepping on the plate when making contact isnt something you have to look for....its right there in front of you when you're watching the pitch come in and is quite noticable.
I think the best rule for an umpire is to call things as you see them. Dont guess or assume. As long as you're in the position you're supposed to be in, and you're calling it as you see it, players will respect you.
Any player who knows and respects the game will always respect an umpire who calls a game consistently and by the rules.
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| Birkey
March 19, 2014
5:18:22 PM
Entry #: 4117190
| You seem to be drawing a line between yourself and what you call elite level players. Your comments are little on the disrespectful side when you state that you're not a great hitter if you need to run up on a ball to hit it. Wayne is one of the best hitters in the country and if he chooses to run at a ball and it works who are you to say that he's not a great hitter.
I'm sorry, but your bad mouthing of players for stepping on the plate is in poor taste. Have you ever struck out? Did you mean to? Players make mistakes plain and simple, just because they make a mistake does not mean they are not great players.
Just for your knowledge, you do not need to shift your feet to go the other way. Hitting a line drive to the opposite field is accomplished by starting your swing later and allowing the ball to get deeper across the plate. Shifting your feet just means you letting the defense know where you are going. But since you understand why players do it, I guess that makes it ok then.
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| tuck00
March 19, 2014
9:30:18 PM
Entry #: 4117228
| Need for clarification. Are you associating elite level players with
doctored equipment?
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| Peatsum
March 21, 2014
8:32:55 AM
Entry #: 4117384
| You are correct, but some guys think their 4 inches is actually 10 inches or so they tell their spouse. So judgement is everything. For me, i don't care, i'm there to play, if the pitcher takes one in the shines because he's throwing 20 feet, he won't do it again. it's amazing how many people think they know how to ump, but never have. they just see thier team mate struggling and god forbid, it's because he's hung over or a crappy player, it must be the umps fault. like i said in my first post, it you don't like 6 & 12, then get ask the league to change it, maybe they'll put in on a T so the "a" boys can feel more manly than anyone else. you dont like the rules, ump you're own games and see how much whining there is.
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| Packerwacker
March 24, 2014
6:54:21 PM
Entry #: 4117737
| I think it is the purpose of this rule that allows for its explanation. In my mind the purpose is so that you don't pull a nut or something trying to stay on the bag.. that being said a step or two off the rubber should be all that is allowed..
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| Jets6400
March 31, 2014
7:31:30 AM
Entry #: 4118462
|
Ok this thread is for rules that are regularly screwwed up, either by the ump, or by the guy who freaks out bc he didnt understand it when it was called.
First rule in question: Infield fly.
Everyone knows about the part where at least runners at 1st & 2nd with less than 2 out, but the part that gets messed up is when its actually considered an infield fly.
The rule states playable by an infielder. Meaning it has to be reasonable for the infielder to make a routine catch. This does NOT mean that it must stay on the infield. If your SS is mad fast and could easily make the catch half way into CF, that could be called IF Fly.
Dont be that guy who yells "he caught it on the grass!!"
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| Oral B
April 2, 2014
1:17:57 AM
Entry #: 4118694
| INFIELD FLY is a fairly batted fly ball (not a line drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second, or when first, second and third bases are occupied with less than two out. Any defensive player, who positions himself within the infield area, will be considered an infielder for the purpose of this rule.
Now it becomes umpire discretion what is "ordinary effort". The height of the ball and where the ball is can be determining factors on the infield fly call. There are a couple of areas within the infield that can be questionable whether ordinary effort catches the ball. These are typically the areas where the catcher, pitcher & 1st or 3rd baseman (depending on which side the ball is hit) can be hit where it makes for a difficult catch - not uncatchable but difficult. Similarly, as stated above a ball hit to the short outfield that can be easily fielded by an infielder can still be an infield fly.
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| Oral B
April 15, 2014
7:45:44 PM
Entry #: 4120911
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Fly ball to the fence right down first base line, RF goes to catch the ball, bobbles it and it falls on the other side of the fence but in foul ground.
What's the call?
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| Peatsum
April 16, 2014
7:07:20 AM
Entry #: 4120987
| Thats a four bager if his feet were in.
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| LB4LB
April 19, 2014
7:12:25 PM
Entry #: 4121491
| 4 bag error if ball was first touched in fair. Long Strike if touched in foul.
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| Gopher
April 21, 2014
2:01:44 PM
Entry #: 4121668
| Hello,
can someone fill me in on this BS hat rule that says i cant wear it backwards?
ive almost been kicked out of tourneys for this because all i get for a reasoning is that its disrespectful to major league players!!!! i dont wear my hat forwards...never have and i really dont see why i cant playing ball...
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| DAVID M
April 21, 2014
3:28:37 PM
Entry #: 4121680
| The rule is very simple, it has nothing to do with
major league ball players being disrespected
In the spn rule book regarding uniforms it states all players will wear their uniforms properly including hats, wearing a hat backwards I am afraid
is not proper
One must also remember you are representing the uspl
league when you are on the field, you are not playing in some playground league with all your buddies
From an umpires standpoint I really don't care if you wear your hat backwards in the field but when you come to bat you will be told by the umpire to turn it around, if you refuse to you will most likely be sitting in the parking lot for the rest of the game
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| Jim_the_Ump
April 21, 2014
3:36:38 PM
Entry #: 4121682
| Here are my comments as an umpire: In our league, you can wear your hat any way you’d like (though not straight sideways, that’s pushing it). That is not the case in all leagues and for some tournaments, where the hat is considered part of the team uniform and must be worn forward.
Here are my personal comments (not as an umpire): If you want to look like punk and goofball, then wear your hat backwards. My comments have nothing to do with respecting major league players. They have everything to do with respecting the game, your teammates, and yourself. Besides, if you’re going to wear it backwards, why wear a hat at all? It defeats the purpose of wearing a billed hat when it’s worn backwards.
Jim
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| Knight
April 28, 2014
6:27:42 AM
Entry #: 4122788
| Most of the questions are really the umpire's judgement call and the angle they are viewing the play from.... just remember, umpires are human, they will make mistakes.... they are not major league umpires, hell, even they will make mistakes....
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| Matches
May 30, 2014
7:58:20 AM
Entry #: 4128493
| Couple years ago at Provies there was a fly ball out to fairly shallow centre field, our centre fielder came in, made a clean catch, ran 5 or 6 more steps. Since there were no runners on base he flipped the ball to the short stop from his glove. Umpy said, had the ball touched the ground when he did that he would've awarded the batter first base since our fielder never touched the ball with his throwing hand.
Is this just an umpy on a power trip or is there a rule to this effect?
(I've seen our pitcher catch numerous comebackers and just drop the ball on the mound to end the inning has never been an issue).
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| Faux
June 1, 2014
1:07:57 AM
Entry #: 4128694
| Agreed. I'd rather see them target the "neighbourhood play" than the transfer rule. So often they rule a guy out on the neighbourhood play when the throw actually takes the guy off the base (I get it when there's a good throw, but a bad throw that takes the guy off the base should be penalized).
The home plate rule is ridiculous. Nobody knows what's going on with it.
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| Jim_the_Ump
June 1, 2014
8:25:24 AM
Entry #: 4128699
| Faux: “The home plate rule is ridiculous. Nobody knows what's going on with it.”
What needs clarification, my friend?
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| Rev Hero
September 3, 2014
2:58:16 AM
Entry #: 4143656
| Situation.
Runner on first and second. Fly ball hit to outfield. Outfielder bobbles ball then makes the catch. When can the runners tag?
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| Jim_the_Ump
September 3, 2014
8:26:30 AM
Entry #: 4143674
| As soon as any fielder makes first contact with the ball, a runner can tag up. In other words, a baserunner does not have to wait until the fielder maintains possession before tagging up.
Hope this helps.
Good luck in the playoffs everyone.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Rassie
September 4, 2014
12:11:17 AM
Entry #: 4143862
|
Is a batter able to switch sides during an at bat?
If yes, can they continually go back and forth, or just once?
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| Harry Package
September 4, 2014
8:38:54 AM
Entry #: 4143880
| Go play tennis bud...
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| Jim_the_Ump
September 4, 2014
8:57:02 AM
Entry #: 4143882
| Good one, HP.
Technically, a batter may switch at any time in the count as long as he does not switch sides once the pitcher is ready to deliver a pitch (or has pitched the ball). In practical terms, if this happens once, I don’t have a problem with it. If it happens more than once, I am going to be having a discussion with the batter, since he is likely slowing the game down.
PS. Guys, it’s freakin’ slo-pitch!! What would ever possess you to need to switch batter’s boxes?? Just hit the ball, and then run. It’s not rocket science!
Jim_the_Ump
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| JAG28
September 5, 2014
12:01:14 PM
Entry #: 4144108
| Contrary to popular belief - if the ball hits a base runner (who is off the base) but an infielder is NOT in a position to make the play - the ball is alive and the runner is NOT out.
Correct?
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| Jim_the_Ump
September 6, 2014
7:12:30 AM
Entry #: 4144224
| This is correct. I would say though, that this is a pretty uncommon call.
Here’s the deal. A runner who is hit by a fair batted ball is ALWAYS OUT except when:
1) The fielder (other than the pitcher) had a chance to field the ball and he failed, AND no other fielder behind the play had a chance to field the ball or
2) The ball was deflected by a fielder, including the pitcher or
3) He was on a base.
Unless one of the three exceptions is met, a base runner who is hit by a batted ball, is out.
Where you would usually see the Exception 1 call being made is if the infielders were playing in towards home. For example, suppose the SS was playing in front of the baseline between second and third, maybe looking for ground ball for a play at the plate. If the ground ball then went by the SS and struck a runner who was off of second base, that runner would not be out.
Hope all this helps,
Jim_the_Ump
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| Sensrule
September 6, 2014
11:04:30 PM
Entry #: 4144291
|
Had a play at the plate last night where I threw the ball in from the cutoff, it bounced a couple of times and then hit the bat which was lying infront of the plate. I didn't bring it up to the ump at the time as it was a brutal throw (my fault) and I didn't think we'd get him out anyways.
Should there have been a call on this? Since the batter left the bat in play should an out be charged against the offense? Dead ball and send the runner back to 3rd?
Really not sure what, if anything was called for.
Thanks.
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| Jim_the_Ump
September 7, 2014
10:55:32 AM
Entry #: 4144332
| Since it was a thrown ball (as opposed to a hit ball), and there was no obvious intention by the batter to interfere with the course of the ball when he dropped his bat, the ball is live. No violation has occurred.
Though sometimes it’s hard, that’s why you see me kick a bat into foul territory.
Hope this helps.
Jim_the_Ump
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| Knight
September 11, 2014
6:28:36 AM
Entry #: 4144997
|
What is the correct ruling on the play? Watching a game and there was an argument about the ruling the umpire made.
Bases loaded with 1 out. Batter hits a ball to 3rd, 3rd basemen touches third to force out runner on second. 3rd basemen then throws the ball home overthrowing the catcher but the runner had went back without crossing the line. Catcher picks up the ball and tosses back to the pitcher, umpire calls "TIME". The 3rd basemen then realizes that the runner who was on first, as well as the batter are both standing on first base. Pitcher touches 2nd base, runner is called out.
Personally I would call the runner out for the brain fart in not advancing on the ground ball, but is the rule not that once "Time" has been called play is dead and no outs can be made after the fact?
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| DAVID M
September 11, 2014
11:36:31 AM
Entry #: 4145034
| This whole situation is on the umpire, before an umpire calls time he has to make sure that all play has ceased and there is no advancement by any runners, no matter what he calls after time was called one of the teams are not going to be happy
Given the situation I would call the runner at 1st base who did not run on the play out, the umpire cannot award a runner a base for no reason because he screwed up the call to begin with, it is a no win situation the best an umpire can do at this time is use common sense of what most likely would have happended
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| JAG28
September 12, 2014
10:42:21 AM
Entry #: 4145188
| So it your a stickler for the rules.
The ump calls time with 2 guys standing on first.
The ump then calls play ball - and then calls the lunk head out on first who didn't go to 2nd.
Cause 2 runners cannot occupy one base.
Hopefully common sense helps dictate the rules.
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| MBA89
September 15, 2014
9:46:32 PM
Entry #: 4145605
| I think if anything, the Umpire messed that one up!!... He called time a bit pre mature and didnt let the play end. I dont know what level of ball it was, or how much ball the person has played... but maybe once they heard the umpire call time, they assumed they couldnt go anywhere!.. If anything the Umpire messed up that call... But i guess since they threw to second and he realized that someone was supposed to be there, he cant NOT call them out cause well, they are!.. And im not totally sure on this... But once Time is called, you can no longer advance, and since you can no longer advance, you cannot get an out! when time is called im pretty sure the play is dead!
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| Rev Hero
September 28, 2014
2:21:43 PM
Entry #: 4147101
| A huge shout out to the officials on the field, is not an easy job to stand in there all night through cold windy rain etc. Great job guys.
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| MI5
October 20, 2014
11:30:02 PM
Entry #: 4149730
| Assuming no issue here with fair or foul ball, then the batter is awarded with what is called a "Four Base Award". This is not a home run, just the batter is awarded 4 bases. Does the hit count towards the home run limit?
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| Jim_the_Ump
October 22, 2014
8:04:18 AM
Entry #: 4149949
| A four-base award does NOT count as a HR.
Hope this helps. See you in the spring.
Jim_the_Ump
(PS. Go Giants!)
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| MI5
October 28, 2014
7:12:17 PM
Entry #: 4150779
| Thanks for that.
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