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Old Mon Feb 04, 2002, 06:32pm
etbaseball etbaseball is offline
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I can only imagine how dramatic this situation on the surface appears to be. However, cooler minds should prevail. Obviously in the short period of time it takes to piece the elements of this play together, one can easily rule accordingly.

Umpire calls time, after coaches outburst. Before pre-judging what the coach did and why or if he was in violation of any rule, give him the courtesey of explaining his actions.

If he is correct, R2 and R1 switched bases, confirm that fact by checking the line-up cards and scorebook if necessary. Next step. Ejection of the home team coach for unsportsmanlike conduct; specifically cheating. Follow that by declaring an out due to the runners switching position, which could have only been accomplished by passing each other. Game over.

If while inspecting the line-up cards you determine that no violation occured, then I would enforce a balk penalty and move the runners up one base.

The important thing here is to take a moment and be certain to sort out what happened before making any decision. It's better to take a little more time and get the play correct, than to 'knee-jerk' and call something that will only demonstrate your inablity to act under pressure.

Take you time; get it right.

ED
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