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Originally Posted by steveshane67
You guys are all missing the point of the post.
the home plate ump initially thought the batter had stepped out of the batters box (ie since there was no painted lines, thought he was too far towards the pitcher when he hit the ball). the runners both ran on contact, the batter probably jogged to 1B, by the time everyone realized what had happened, the runners had both proceeding 1 base and probably made a turn, and the OF just picked up the ball and was about to throw it to the infield.
now the action is over, since its just slow pitch, the umpire rethought his initial out of box call and ruled the hit was legal, and awarded bases based on what was "fair" not necessarily what is written in the rules, most slow pitch umps dont even know there is a rule book let alone can cite rule 5 section 6 subletter E part ii (just saying the softball rulebook is overly complex).
since this is a slow pitch game (probably a rec league), and most slow pitch leagues dont paint the batters boxes for whatever reason, the ump just did what he thought was right to correct his mistake. its not like the OF let a flyball drop or anything like that, so its really no big deal. if anything, he should have just awarded the batter 1st and only move the runners up 1 base.
the previous responses to the thread are unnecessarily condescending and the posters need to back off their "rulebook knowledge" pedestals, its slow pitch softball, ppl [most] play just to have fun.
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I think you completely missed the post yourself...
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Originally Posted by rottiron01
Is this misinterpretation of a rule or not because they straightened it out before the next pitch?
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He's asking for a rule interpretation, so we gave him one.
We're trying to help the guy out. It's my impression that he's somehow directly involved in this league, and we will gladly answer his question. However, there are times when A) we need to clarify some points with him beforehand and B) we need to get all the facts straight.
So what if it's slow pitch? It's still a sport with rules. Rules that everyone agrees to follow when they take up the sport. You're right, the rulebook is a complex, wordy document that, sadly, some umpires either never read or get halfway through it before giving up.
However, I've read it. Dozens and dozens of times. That's why I do what I do, and I do it well. That's why I'm here every day, happily answering (almost) everyone's questions.
Officiating any sport is a noble profession, and slow pitch is no exception. This gentleman (I'm assuming he's male, and I apologize if I'm mistaken) came to us with a rule question. We will happily work with this individual, who quite clearly has a desire to see the sport "done right," even if it's for inmates.
You, sir, appear to be quite content in belittling the sport, and all those who strive to better it. If that's your station in life, fine, but don't expect it to be mine.