|
Just curious:
If this is the case, then when would OBR 7.11 be in effect?
"The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space (including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball.
Penalty: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner on which the play is being made shall be declared out.
In the stated play, perhaps he is not trying for a batted or thrown ball (if it matters, but this is not clear). Also, the penalty mentions a "play" being made, but the rule just describes fielder attempting to field the ball. I realize it is impossible for each rule to be clarified exactly, and there are many ifs and buts unexplained.
In "real life" I probably would have had a no call here and that was my first instinct before I looked at the rule book.
Although Coach's points are well taken, I don't recall language in OBR regarding loose balls, and I can think of a few instances of "unintentional" interference by the offense being correctly called during a thrown ball situation.
Lastly, I come here to learn all I can and improve as an umpire. I may perhaps misunderstand applying a rule, or "get it wrong" in an attempt to answer posted plays, but in no instance have I personally enforced "fake" rules (as opposed to "actual" ones). The slam on a umpire forum was uncalled for, IMO, and if Carl is impressed and can make you into a fine umpire, good luck to him. You know what they say, "once a...." oh never mind.
|