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Boy, this thread got big quick.
JM, as Rich said, its just not the base-umps call. Its right at the PU's lap, and he needs to call it.
Steve- I'm with you. There is no possibly way if you are the PU not to see such a blatant violation. And even if you didn't, as soon as the ball was contacted, I may take a peek down at the batter's foot. Sure, I didn't see it when the ball was contacted, but I know it hasn't moved!
Imagine these scenarios:
1) Runner rounding 3rd, you are watching him. Coach grabs the kid to help him get back to third. As BU or PU, I may have never seen contact between the player and coach, but I sure as hell know that it happened. Would you all ignore that too, just because you didn't directly see it?
2) What about a pitcher who uses a spitball? Do you have to see him spit on the ball? Or is it good enough that when it comes in, and is inspected, that it has spit on it.
3) What about if a brand new baseball comes in low on a batter and you're not sure if it hit his shoe or not. Catcher picks up the ball and hands it to you, and there is a black mark on it from shoe polish. You didn't see it hit him, will you award first base?
As Umpires, we are within our right to take in all information regarding a play. I see the batter in/out of the box as one of these deals. If he is a righty batter, and after contact, I see his foot in the lefty's box, and I know it hasn't moved, he's out.
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