Quote:
Originally posted by Jim Porter
We all know that obstruction was once an immediate dead ball. Then some rules committee decided one day that a delayed dead ball would be wiser. Why not a delayed dead ball with interference? A lot of umpires already do it. Umpires I know -- possibly even myself -- would've just let the play go. Even one umpire at least had the confidence in himself to admit as much right here in this thread. So I guess I can't understand why folks think I'm coming from left field on this one.
Gee said, "Jim. You surprise me. In this type of interference there is no delayed dead ball and there is no incidental contact when the runner makes contact with the fielder when he is in the act of fielding a ball. You see contact, you kill it, right by the numbers."
Gee, I wasn't aware contact was illegal. The last time I checked the definition of interference contact wasn't even mentioned. Instead words like, "interferes with," and, "obstructs," and "impedes," and, "hinders," are mentioned. Since when does contact alone automatically mean interference? And how can any umpire possibly know whether a fielder has been impeded, obstructed, hindered, or interfered with in his attempt to make a play if play is killed before an attempt is even made?
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Jim;
I interpreted you initial post a little differently so I'll respond along those lines.
More than half of all umpires I know, would not make the call initially. Only half of the remaining umpires would make the call if the ball was thrown away. Perhaps 20% of umpires would make the immediately just like the MLB umpire did.
I am one of those 20%. My philosophy is to jump on an out when I can get it. We get paid to make the tough calls and I like outs.
I find that it is simpler to call the game by the rules unless neither team expects the call. In this case, I have to make a decision as to whether I want to have a heated discussion with the offense or defensive coach. In this case, I feel on much firmer ground arguing that it should be an out. The strict reading of the rulebook backs me up.
Peter