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Originally Posted by mattmets
OK, sitch: R1 and R3, pop-up near the foul line at first....the ball is caught in foul territory- out, or foul ball? 
Anyway, onto serious things....a couple of things have come up in games recently.
BALKS-
Today my partner called a balk on an LHP with me in B. Pitcher, on rubber, goes to back pocket, grabs seeds, and throws them into his mouth. Partner balks him for going to the mouth. I didn't say anything, as it looked like the pitcher went to the mouth but I saw that he didn't make contact. Do you balk or no?
Second balk- Pitcher has been very close to not stopping a few times tonight. I hear the kid, who's not that bright, tell his catcher that as soon as the batter steps in, he's delivering. So the kid does, but doesn't even come close to a stop in the high set. I balk him, kid can't believe it, is absolutely sure he stopped. I tossed this kid 2 innings later for sucker-punching a kid at first.
CHECK SWINGS-
On a check swing, do you call it based on the attempt or the broken wrists? I had a batter today with me in C, checks the swing, does not break the wrists, but it seems like he wanted to go. On appeal, I punch him out, coach isn't happy, saying the bat head didn't break. I told him I know, it's the intent to swing. Did I nail it or kick it? |
As far as the kid not stopping, don't allow a quick pitch. Use a stop sign or send F2 out to talk to the pitcher and let him know that you don't want a pitch until the batter is ready.
This prevents a dangerous play and having to call an unnecessary balk.
But if F1 simply don't stop, call it everytime.
Calling a balk for a kid putting sunflower seeds in his mouth
Thats poor officiating.
I put that with the kid who wants to rub up a ball after you throw it to him and he grabs some dirt etc.,
A good (game management) umpire will intercept the action, get the ball rub it down and give F1 an education in the process.
As some have said don't be OOO, simply umpire the game.
Good luck
Thanks
David