Quote:
Originally posted by WestMichBlue
"locate the ball?" I don't think so! The rule is based on the pitcher having the ball, not the runner "finding it." After stopping, the runner is supposed to "immediately" go back or go forward. I suspect that my "immediately" might be kind of long in this case. If the defensive coach objected, I would remind him that "immediate" is my judgment. (Of course, my judgment might be a little affected by his cheap trick.)
Verbal obstruction? Is there such a thing? Can you verbally impede the progress of a runner? I think that is a stretch. You have both verbal and physical actions by the defensive players, but they are not preventing the runner from reaching a base. Tricking her, maybe, but not hindering her.
If the runner allowed either of those fielders to get to 2B without her moving; and if the pitcher threw to 2B and the runner is tagged out I would have to allow the out.
Now if this team is full of dirty tricks, then when this one was pulled I might have an inadvertent time out to clean the plate. When the D-coach screams, I would apologize (sorry, I knew the pitcher had the ball, and I didnt realize the runner was still off the base) but its too late now to correct.
Both the immediate judgment and the inadvertent T.O. would be a form of FYC and delivered in such a manner that the coach should get it.
WMB
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Thanks for saving me the time to type your first and third paragraphs (maybe fourth if I thought of it), especially "The rule is based on the pitcher having the ball, not the runner "finding it.".
Verbal OBS can happen and be called, but it better be blatant.