Quote:
Originally posted by Jerry
It's really much simpler than what everyone is making it.
On offense, a HBP is defined as a pitch striking the person or clothing. Obviously, a batter with an untucked shirt has a tremendous advantage over the defense. Same goes for an "untucked" pocket on his pants.
On Defense, all participants must be dresssed alike. If they ALL choose to look like "grunges", they're showing no respect for the sport . . . and attempting to show up their opponents in an "unsportsmanlike conduct".
Where's the "brain surgery" and "rocket science" in the solution?
At the "Munchkin" level, let 'em protest your decision! Show me a league anywhere in the world that allows its players to dress as they darn well please. (The "naked baseball league; maybe.)
Jerry
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I think it is kind of funny that each poster seems to find an issue in the previous post. I don't sense there is that much disagreement here. Some might bring up the issue at a pre-game. I
usually would not. Of course if they look like
grunges before we even get started then a comment may be most appropriate. Some umpires may be bit tougher than others and might tell the on-deck batter or better yet
Ask him to adjust his tails. I think that is better than waiting till he gets to the plate. Even saves time. No one seems too concerned with the fielders (except
hats turned backwards) but will ask the pitcher to tuck in his shirt. I just would try to avoid upsetting the rhythm of the game. The way the whole thread started was
Quote:
Originally posted by GerryBlue
Player comes to the plate with his shirt hanging out. I say tuck it in. He says "Show me the rule." I address the manager and he takes care of things. But the truth is, what is the rule reference? I know he would gain an unfair advantage over the pitcher when it comes to a possible hit batsman but is there anything black & white on this.
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I think we have all encountered players if not teams that choose to be argumentative but we can accomplish more with honey than vinegar so I recommend we follow the advise of an earlier poster who suggested we just
ask the player. In closing and perhaps ending the discussion I have never had a player ask what rule covers this and most of the players on fields have looked at least as good as my partner. Note though that I have at times umpired with scarlet ball bags from +POS. Jim/NYC