This is a good example of "rule book knowledge" vs conventional veteran umpire knowledge. (A mechanic that I only really learned THIS year.)
Yes, a "rulebookzealot" umpire CAN put the ball in play as soon as pitcher toes rubber with ball.. that's what book says. There is no mention of the status of the batter. I used to ignore batter an point this ball in play. But this is a form of umpire self torture.
I think NAPBL backs this up... WAIT for the batter to get set in box... THEN put ball in play (and of course PUT the ball in play, point or point and announce).
Associations that allow this "quickplay" need to learn and teach proper mechanics.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by chris s:
He does a little rub a dub then engages rubber, quickly steps off and tries to hose R1, I quickly come around F2 and yell"ball is still dead".
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