Quote:
Originally posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
I'll write slowly, so that way you'll understand.
Throwing a pop up on a steal (to trick a runner) is acceptable, although many would argue unethical. Fed also makes coaches accountable for the fake pick off to 2nd. The defense can yell, "He's going, third!!! C'mon, cut three, get it in!" This is no less verbal obstruction, but we have an approved ruling that says it is legal.
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Whose changing things around now? How do you equate instructions by a defensive coach to a defensive player to the same coaches yelling illegal instructions to their opponents runners? You're talking about proper coaching techniques, not obstruction of any kind with this masquerade.
The hidden ball trick is acceptable (provided the pitcher is not on the dirt) even though deception is the name of that game.
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Hmmmm... I though we were discussing a FED rule here Windy.
Here in Indiana, in a FED game, the pitcher can most definitely be on the dirt without the ball as long as he is not within 5 feet of the rubber. In an OBR game, he can be even closer as long as he does'nt stand on or astride the rubber. Are the rules of baseball different in Chicago?
If you want to call verbal obstruction on that play, go ahead. You would get laughed off the field in most midwest states. Your coaches clearly know that your ego is more important than the good of the game. They're counting the minutes and you don't even know it.
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Well Windy I can't speak for all of the midwest on this. I can only speak for the NFHS umpires I work with in the Hoosier State. I work games from Elkhart to the west side of Rolling Prairie just east of Michigan City in Northern Indiana. The guys I work with know how to call this, as it is supposed to be called. You'd be the one laughed off the field for your arrogance.
Please, come next spring, send me a private message letting me know when I can come to Chicago and see you work a game or two. It's only an hour and 45 minutes away from me, and I'd love to see you trip on your package in person!
Tim.