|
Rita,
The mask illegally extends the catcher's reach with his throwing hand 12 to 14 inches. That extra reach could allow him to touch the ball before it becomes fair, or to stop the ball before it reaches DBT, when he would not have been able to do so otherwise.
Stupid rule. I don't think so. The size of the glove is regulated for much the same reason. Is that dumb also?
If F2 scoops up the pitch he blocked with his mask and no runners are attempting to advance is it called? No, but I'll ask for the ball, and as I give him another let F2 know that he committed a violation that could be peanalized.
I wasn't trying to call your question stupid. It was just that the tone of the thread, after Steve pointed out the proper ruling from NAPBL/PUBC, was that the ruling should be ignored.
Roger Greene
|