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Wow. I see I really opened a can of beans here. Kewl, I like beans.
The situation I gave was not in a game I umped or played, but it was in our league last year, between two very competitive teams.
I'll tell you what *I* would have done as PU: I would have called the strike, said nothing on the throw to third, and IF the offensive coach piped up (which he did), protesting the call, I would have called over *both* coaches, showed them the rule in the book, and call a *ball*, remove the strike, making a visible sigh in the process.
I don't see how you can call both a ball and a strike on a pitch. Too weird.
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Personally, I think this rule should be changed. The defense received no advantage on this play, but are nevertheless penalized. Worried about a delay of game? Well then, you can institute a rule that the ball must be returned to the pitcher after each pitch that is not hit (excludes a foul ball, and foul tip) after, say, 5 seconds (10? 15? will take care of a wild pitch), otherwise a ball is called. The other exceptions would apply as well (DTS, 3rd strike, runners on base, etc.) That takes care of the delay, and so what if the catcher throws to third?
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As for substitutions, I agree with Tex here. I would not say anything, as it is the responsiblity of the defense to catch it. But I *would*, and have, mentioned to the coach to get back in his box. Not only that, but when I've seen a player with a cracked helmet, I called time, and had the player switch the helmet.
I had a game (I was PU) in which a batter ran to first, they tried to get him out, and the ball did not get there in time. BUT he used the white base, not the orange safety base. He should be out, but this is an appeal play, and the defense did not appeal. They didn't notice it. I told the batter later in the game that I saw it, and he was lucky they didn't appeal. Know what he said? "Yea, I know".
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