|
Funny you should mention the Yankees game, I saw the play as well but Joe West did not call the infraction. The batter's right foot was clearly in front of the plate and out of the box. Remember George Brett being called out after hitting a home run because the pine tar extended too far up the bat? Rule 6.06 (d) "He uses or attempts to use a bat that, in the umpire's judgment, has been altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes, bats that are filled, flat surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc. No advancement on the bases will be allowed and any out or outs made during a play shall stand. In addition to being called out, the player shall be ejected from the game and may be subject to additional penalties as determined by his League President." I see bats covered with pine tar all the way out to the label or more and no one says anything. Better yet, has anyone ever called a balk on a pitcher who steps toward 3rd then wheels and throws to 1st while looking over his shoulder at 1st the entire time? If this is legal why have this part of rule 8.05(c)"However, if, with runners on first and third, the pitcher, while in contact with the rubber, steps toward third and then immediately and in practically the same motion "wheels" and throws to first base, it is obviously an attempt to deceive the runner at first base, and in such a move it is practically impossible to step directly toward first base before the throw to first base, and such a move shall be called a balk." A judgment that you are sure to be harrassed about for making.
|