Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Childress
So I devised the "traveling rule." After the kid sees the ball get away, he may take one step toward second; but if he "travels" (that is, if he then lifts his pivot foot), he has made an attempt and is jeopardy of an out. I have always observed that the easier you make the job for the kids when they are starting out to officiate, the more likely you are to keep them in our fraternity.
Bottom line, though: It's umpire judgment, as you say.
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Sounds pretty cool to me, Carl. So to recap, if the BR overruns 1st base, turns toward 2nd pivoting on his left foot, takes a step in any direction with his other foot and THEN plants his pivot foot in the direction of 2nd, he is making an "attempt to advance". If, however, his pivot foot is planted in the direction of 1st, he is simply returning. Do I have it right?
I dislike trying to decide the INTENT of a player if I can use some other legitimate means to make a decision instead. This sounds like a pretty good rule of thumb at the amateur "youth league" level of play.
Cheers,