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Garth,
I can see it now, coaches that read that will start teaching their athletes to yell "Back" and then dive to the base. Unpires from norhern Indiana to southern California will award third base on a play that couldn't possibly witness.
The only saving grace is that some states are smart enough to use the clause on Page 1 of the rule book. Hopkins' alleged directive to that interpreter can be dismissed by any sensible association.
I'm now reminded why I despise umpiring High School baseball. The shallow minds that come up with these rules justify their very existence with gems like "tobacco like substance". Then even simpler minds enforce this for Big League Chew. The game deserves better than what that man has done. Thankfully, a few Baseball Committee members share my feelings and control associations.
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