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Old Thu May 13, 2004, 08:28am
thumpferee thumpferee is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by tibia56
Playing under Dizzy Dean Rules, Minor League (9-10)

Rules specify that runner cannot leave the base until the pitch has crossed the plate.

When is the runner "frozen" on the base?
Is it when the pitcher has the ball while on the rubber?

No. Pitcher on rubber catcher and batter in box.

Is it when the runner ceases his advancement to the next base?

With above description.

Is when the runner finally tires of tantalizing (by dancing off the base) the defensive players and returns to the base? I officiate alot of youth ball and I get tired seeing what you are describing. As an official, when I see it getting out of hand, I call time myself and clean off the plate.

Is it when the runner is touching the base at the same time that the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball? No. Ball is still live and runner can still take off when catcher and batter is not in box.

If the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball AND the runner has a lead but is not attempting to advance, does the runner have to go back to the base?

Not unless the catcher and batter is in the box. Pitcher should not be on the rubber if catcher and batter is not ready. The only reason this is done is the coach/pitcher thinks the runner cannot go if pitcher is on the rubber, which is not the case.

A related issue:
R3 when BR walks. The BR rounds first base and runs to second. How can defense stop the runner at first without giving R3 an easy attempt to steal home?

As a coach, this is what I do. As the BR is trotting down to 1st base, I have my catcher throw the ball to F3 who will then stand in the base path with the ball. I dare R1 to step off or R3 to steal home. The runner may steal on the next pitch, but other things can happen with the next pitch and batters that can prevent that run from scoring.

Must the BR stop at first if the pitcher has the ball on the rubber? (Dizzy Dean rules do not address this, although I have seen LL interpretations that the BR can still advance)
If the pitcher throws a pitch while the BR is between first and second, is the BR out for leaving the base before the pitch crosses the plate?

Its been a while since I called Dizzy Dean, but I believe its an appeal play. Runner would be called out on appeal. In lil league the runner goes back.(I dislike that rule IMO)

And what are the criteria for a legal pitch? I understand that the catcher has to be ready, but what about the batter and umpire?

The umpire should always be ready.

And if the umpire isn't ready, why is the ball still live?

The ball is still live because it hasn't been made dead.



I have tried to sort this out, but haven't found much help.
[Edited by thumpferee on May 13th, 2004 at 11:20 AM]
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