[Rich]

Originally posted by BigUmp56

This has been a very insightfull thread! IMO- this is the type of discussion that makes these forums so educational.

As it appears there is no definitive source that gives more clarity on this issue, I will tell you what I think I will now do if this ever happens to me, based on the responses you've all given.

1) Once a batter steps into the dugout, I have an out. I'll buy in to the Roder interpretation that the batter can be called out for desertion on a batted ball before touching first base.

2) Although I have the batter out, I'm holding off making that call until all continuing action has relaxed, keeping the force intact.

3) If challenged, I'd just tell the offensive manager that I didn't see exactly when his batter entered the dugout, and in my judgement, it was after the DP was recorded.


Tim.

And I have to disagree. I find this type of thread to be mental masturbation at best and something that hurts novice umpires more than helps at worst.