Quote:
Originally posted by joemoore
There is no rule against tagging in the head. However, if it is a malicious tag, that warrants a warning or ejection. Also, if it is a close play and the runner is tagged in the head, he is usually safe.
For 7-8 year olds, you did the right thing, try to find someone to quickly resolve the issue, but after a few minutes, whatever the umpire has just live with it.
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joe,
A few years ago, at a little league game (in fact it was the last 8 teams in the state), I had an excellent catcher receive a throw at the plate and nicely tag the runner out. For that play at the plate I gave a very large Out!!!
The catcher then stood up to make a throw to third, but no teammates were around the bag as another runner approached third, so he held up.
The catcher lost his composure, and out of frustration, the catcher turned to the runner he had already tagged out (the runner was still sitting near the plate) and banged him on the top of the helmet so as to punctuate the out he got and the out he didnt get at third.
As I called Time, I walked around the front of home plate, I removed my mask and pointed my finger straight at this little lad and said, Dont you ever do that again!
I cleaned the plate and looked up. The 12-year-old kid was in tears! (Oh, my!)
I took my time getting in the position, and before I called Play, I asked if he was good to go. He was.
And, yes, after the game, which they lost, I had to talk to his Mom in the umpire tent. She was protective, but civil. She just felt she had to say something.
mick