Quote:
|
Originally Posted by UMP25
This specific situation may not be in the LL rule book, but I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that this manuever can't be permitted. The SPR is supposed to be someone who is not in the game, meaning he isn't on offense or defense. A person who has batted and scored is "in the game" for purposes of this rule if he has already batted and/or been a runner on the bases. Allowing him to then be a SPR would be impermissible, also violating what is known as "common sense and fair play."
|
An endorsement of the LL Eastern Region protest committe, which was "It's legal, but don't do it again!"
Sorry, but THAT violates "common sense and fair play."
Here's the caseplay from the Right Call:
“The Right Call” Casebook -- Play 7-20: Bottom of the 7th inning, no outs and tie score, Billy strokes a single; however, he is also the team’s slowest runner. In an attempt to get speed in the game, the manager wants to use Jane as a “special pinch-runner.” Jane had been in the game in innings 3 through 6. Is this legal? Ruling: Yes. A player who is not in the lineup may be used as a special pinch runner. As long as Jane is not currently in the game (lineup); she is eligible to be pinch runner.
Now, the caseplay does not specifically address when it is determined that Jane is "not currently in the game (lineup)" but, luckily for us, the RULES do:
3.06 -- The manager shall immediately notify the umpire-in-chief of any substitution and shall state to the umpire-in-chief the substitute’s place in the batting order.
3.07 -- The umpire-in-chief after having been notified, shall immediately announce, or cause to be announced, each substitution.
Note the repeated use of the word "immediately."
You're arguing that this maneuver doesn't "feel" right from a common sense perspective, in a league whose tournament rules provide for unlimited re-entries of both starter and substitutes with no play requirement (other than meeting MPR). Given the freedom of substitution the tournament rules clearly and intentionally provide for, getting hinky over pulling a player from the lineup and inserting him as a SPR is pretty minor, in context, doncha think?