[bluegranite]

I agree with you completely. We see endless debates in this and other forums on the finer points of baseball rules, but when it comes to making the "tough" call (one like the scenario in this thread) so many seem to overlook the written rule and take the most expedient route. Baseball is a game of rules that are to be enforced by the game officials with as little "interpretation" as possible - otherwise what's the sense in having a rule book. Why not toss is out and call the game according to each UIC's personal agenda. It's the equivalent of basketball refs ignoring the "palmed" ball or the three and four steps before the shot in order to maintain "showtime". If the rule is there, enforce it!