Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
I would love to rely on the wording of "and all other runners affected" to not call the out on BR, but the clear exception of passing makes that difficult (although it does specify that exception to the obstructed runner, not necessarily to others affected by the obstruction, so I might have an argument   ). |
See, this is where things get touchy with coaches. The rule squarely place the onus of properly calling all situations correctly. In a perfect world, the trailing runners should stop and not pass another active runner and TRUST the umpire to rule accordingly.
As we see on this and other boards, not to mention the field, some umpires take it upon themselves (or the direction of others who think they are the Ford Co. and have "a better idea") to interject their perception of "fairness" into the game.
Hell, you guys in CA don't call ****!
According to the parents and coaches, illegal pitches, obstruction and interference are NEVER called in CA!
Therefore, you cannot be trusted and the coaches have to take matters into their own hands and then challenge you to "ignore" the correct call.
The rules are there to level the playing field. Many forget there are two teams out there and what may seem fair for one may actually negate the good and proper play by the other.