[WhatWuzThatBlue]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Carl Childress

Originally posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

As the old song says, "I can help":

From 2006 Rules Book, 2-22-1: "Obstruction is an act (intentional or unintentional, as well as physical or verbal) by a fielder...."

From 2005 Case Book, Situation 2.22.1: "R1 attempts to steal second. F2, upon receiving the pitch, throws a pop-up to F6. F5 yells "get back, get back." R1 thinks B2 has hit a pop-up and starts back to first where he is tagged out. RULING: This is verbal obstruction and R1 shall be awarded second base.

Let's think for a moment: You have to see the rule in writing, so ...

Suppose that very play happens in one of your games. What do you do?

Oh, don't worry that I didn't quote the 2006 Case Book. It's not out yet.

Carl, the example you gave is not what we've discussed, please don't try to pass off this charade. It is beneath you to try to trick those unfamiliar with the play we are discussing.

If you truly believe that a fielder can be guilty of verbal obstruction for saying 'Back' to a runner who is leading off, then why not penalize him for saying 'Go' when the runner is caught stealing? The runner can say that he thought it was his coach and was confused! If I were the coach, I would start teaching my runners to say "Back" and then dive back to the base. You can then send them to third without having seen the infraction. After all, you heard the words and saw the reaction. This is just another reason why that rule is so ludicrous. [Please don't tell me that a plate ump can see who said it - he is focused on the pitch being delivered at the same instant.]

No book has your approved interpretation. Most interps worth their salt have been added to the Case Book over the last decade. We both know this to be true, your BRD is based on the new interps.

I have already explained what I would do if I hear it - ignore it. We have a very clear Case Book example of putting the onus on the offensive coaches for controlling confusing situations. This is just an extension of that, IMNSHO. We can A2D, but you asked for my opinion.
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BU56,

You are changing the subject after making an erroneous statement that I corrected. You allege that rookies should not be on the field without veteran partners. Even in Chicago and the suburbs, most Freshman, Sophomore and JV games are single man games. These often have rookie umpires because there is a tremendous umpire shortage in our area. Across the country, rookies are put to work because they are available. Others have told you that and you claim that you weren't being derisive.

My comment about farm equipment was made to support the fact that rural America is much different than our urban centers. I can't tell you how many baseball fields I have worked on that didn't have outfield fences or were shared use properties. They often were next to farm crops. I've seen tractors, chisel plows and other impliments stored on athletic fields in rural communities. I'm sure that some of our members have witnessed similar sights. You implied that you are old enough to know better than to speak in generalities. You did and then you tried to deflect your mistake. There are still many places in America that have single umpires working on sub-standard baseball fields. Often, these umpires do not have the experience needed to work the more prestigious Varisty games in their commnnities. This should not be a puzzle.