[Carl Childress]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bfair
[B][QUOTE]Originally posted by BenGilli
I had a situation last year, where a runner advanced to second base on a passed ball. Once he reached second, the short stop, said, that was a foul ball, you gotta go back to first... the runner then looks at me, and I tell him to stay put, but he heads to first and is thrown out.. I didn't call anything but the out, not sure if i should have given him second base.. This was a teener league game.. let me know what you think. Thanks!!

Originally posted by Carl Childress

Ben: You did everything you could -- and the player still headed back: He's out!

In high school FED play what the shortstop said is "verbal obstruction," and the runner stays at second: He doesn't have the option to return.

Of course, in my games I always contradicted the fielder when he tried that nonsense. Some umpires will tell you it's not your business.

Don't listen to them. Continue to do just that way.

F6 says: "Hey, Buddy, foul ball."

You say: "No, Buddy, passed ball. You've got second."

Good job. Your instincts are good. Keep at it.
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If this is verbal obstruction in Fed, must not the runner be awarded a minimum of one base beyond his position on base when the obstruction occurred? If he were on 2nd, as was stated, would you not be required by Fed rule to award third base if, indeed, obstruction is enforced?

Those are excellent questions, and I think I can relieve your concerns.

Rumble, in the Federation News, ruled:

R1...after reaching second base is told by a defensive player that the ball is foul. As a result R1...leaves the base and is tagged out. RULING: [T]he umpire shall call time to prevent R1 from being tagged out. The umpire shall eject the violator, unless the offense was judged to be of a minor nature. Otherwise, the umpire may warn the offender and then eject him, if he repeats the offense. (#11, 3/96)

Thus, the offense became obstruction in FED the year I retired from the field. I officiated only one high school game after that interpretation came into effect. I was the plate umpire for that game. See also BRD, Section 321.

Did you really enforce this, and if you really did, shouldn't it have been done properly instead of how you elected to do it? Of course, it could be it only happens to you in OBR and never in Fed games---but likely not as you say he stays at 2nd for Fed. Which is right?

Yes, I "really" enforced that policy, at all levels: When I was the base umpire, no runner was ever tagged out because a fielder lied to him about something that happened in the game where an umpire's decision was involved.

Excuse me for questioning, I wasn't sure if this is one where questions are allowed, or if this is doctrine of "official interpretation" for which I am to accept without questioning.

I am also questioning, if allowed, why in OBR you say you would interject yourself. Can you cite the "official interpretation" or J/R or JEA which instructs you to do so? If verbal obstruction is not prohibited at higher levels, it seems you may have just taken away an excellent play by the shortstop (especially if the runner is criminally stupid enough to listen to him).

As you know, neither J/R or JEA is "official," though they contain many official interpretations. I'm don't know about your association, but I have always taught that the umpire must ensure that the rules are followed, that one side does not gain an advantage not intended by those rules, that decisions must be announced for all to hear and see.

[If someone tried the hidden ball trick would you tell the runner that the fielder had the ball merely because you don't like that technique or style of play? That method would be consistent with your technique of instructing the runner how to run the bases. Which is correct method to use and when? Should I look for facial hairs that may have been shaven? Even then, I have seen the hidden ball trick in Mens leagues. I am confused in following which of your methods to use.

I'm sorry you're confused, but the hidden-ball trick is a legal ploy, sanctioned in the rule books. (That's why the pitcher must follow strict quidelines when he's in the vicinity of the mound without the ball.) I don't think you'll find any comparable statements about a fielder lying to a runner and an umpire on the spot sanctioning it.

Now, let's pretend you're the Coach of the offense, and I'm the base umpire.

R1 trots to second on a passed ball, F6 says: "Foul ball!" Your runner "looks to" me for confirmation. (Remember, that's how Ben described the runner's initial reaction.)

I say nothing.

Now, the runner leaves second and is tagged between the bases. Worse, I yell: "He's out!"

Try to imagine your reaction. Might I not receive a visit? I can almost hear your first two questions: "Isn't my runner entitled to know what happened? When he looked to you to see if the fielder was right, why didn't you say anything?"

As you know, in Texas the high school coaches can scratch umpires who can't call ball. If you didn't already know me, I'll bet your next question would be: "What is your name?"

In a FED game at the least I would have to put the runner back on second and warn the offender. I just always taught my candidate umpires that it is better to avoid such problems.

After all, that's the way to be fair. (grin)

[Edited by Carl Childress on Feb 27th, 2001 at 03:20 PM]