Quote:
Originally Posted by mbyron
Thanks, Bob.
I will add that the idea of a "cheap" double play should not be part of an umpire's vocabulary. If the rules permit a double play in a given situation, then it's not our business how the defense got it or whether it was "fair" or "cheap."
For an umpire, the rules define fairness. Unfair is playing outside the rules. (Students of the game are entitled to a different perspective, but be careful which hat you're wearing and who your audience is.)
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The notion of fairness and not allowing a cheap double play drives a few of the rules -- the infield fly, the uncaught third strike, and the intentionally dropped ball -- and understanding the reasoning behind the rules certainly helps in their enforcement.