Quote:
Originally posted by timharris
hello,
I just need a clarification on a rule of making a mockery of the game. This weekend i was umpire in chief for a AAU baseball tournament here in Virginia. A team from Northern Virginia was using a play that i think was illegal. The pitcher would step off the rubber with the ball in his glove and fake a throw to the outfield and the whole team even coaches would yell get the ball get the ball while the runners on 1st and 2nd come very confused, to me this play has no place in baseball. This is almost like faking a throw and then faking the tag. What is the proper ruling on this play, they play on National Federation rules and i couldnt locate this anywhere in the book.
Tim Harris
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The tactic is legal but, if I recall, if there is any accompanying VERBAL deception, it becomes verbal obstruction. You said "the whole team even the coaches would yell get the ball, get the ball."
I don't see any difference between this and a fielder improperly telling a runner that the ball was foul when it was fair.
I would rule the play legal and then call verbal obstruction.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN