[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

To me FED 7-3-1 is nothing more than a hammer in the umpire's toolbox. It's nice to know it's there if you need it. But not every job needs a hammer.

David I disagree.

Every job does need a hammer?

I like the ruling compared to that of OBR which has no ruling, other than if a batter refuses to come to bat.

When I first see batter's COMPLETELY out of the box is when I warn, meaning inning number one, instructing them as the rule states to keep one foot in the box.

Nag!

Why!

it has ben my experience, that the closer the game, B1 and the coach will take full advantage if you do not enforce the rule. As the game tightens up, B1 will start to STARE more at the coach, etc. and the game will be delayed.

I've never seen a batter remain out of the batter's box simply because "the game tightens up."

The reason they are generally out of the batter's box is because the coach is giving a lengthy set of signals ... which becomes more typical as a game "tightens up."

Pete, what do you do or say when a batter does keep one foot in the batter's box and the coach goes through a lengthy set of signals?

I already know your answer, "Nothing!"

You can't really control that. It's part of the game.

So, what substantive difference does it make whether he gets the signals with one foot in or completely out of the batter's box - as long as he is promptly ready at the end of the signal giving?

Also, let's assume this. You are allowing batters to step completely out of the box. One team doesn't delay the game but the other team does.

Stop!

I have already said that I don't mention it unless I think it is needlessly delaying the game. I don't think the batter getting his signals from the 3rd base coach is considered delaying the game.

I do not permit lengthy rituals.

Now what! If you are allowing one team to do it, you cannot all of a sudden penalize the other team.

I would not penalize either team unless a particular batter was both flagrant and uncooperative.

I would not enforce this penalty until it became flagrant. And I can assure you, by the time I enforce it, even the concession stand hot dog vendor will be thinking, "Thank God!"

Remember the rule is for BOTH teams. They do not pay us by the hour. Move the game along in accordance with the rules.

And I would apply my standard equally for BOTH teams.

So, you saw the video - right? Did you think those batters were delaying the game?

* * *

I don't mean to argue with you. We just have a simple philosophical disagreement as to the importance of this rule and how it is to be administered. It's no big deal - we can agree to disagree.

As you can see, the umpire in the video is not invoking this rule. Nobody notices ... nobody cares ... the game moves along ... everybody is happy. I say, "Why look for areas of conflict where there seems to be no need?"

Would you accept this: If you were to call a game in this area (Memphis), there is a good chance your style would not be well received considering how games have been traditionally called here for many years?

If your answer is, "Yes," then you have an understanding of my point of view.

Again, I don't permit the batters to needlessly delay game. I just don't see how every batter who is completely out of the batter's box is necessarily delaying the game.

Pete, is there any administrative rule that you, personally, tend to let slide unless it becomes a problem?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN