Quote:
Originally posted by whiskers_ump
Mike,
"I believe they were reaching and the call was a set up. Some "Billy Martin-type" manager thinks they are being slick and getting away with something that probably has little to no effect on the game. And, the umpires probably knew this and were sending a message, sort of like a FYC."
Exactly....They called it when it had no effect on the game.
Which is the way it should have been called. No one on and
already 1 out in the book. Just a ball, but it let the coach
know which was to be what.
Did not say I agreed with the call, but technically it was
correct as far as rules go. With the entire infield gathered
and resin going from person to person. The only pitch I am
aware that it could effect would be the drop ball. Not sure
how, but have been told it does assist that pitch.
glen
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To the best of my knowledge, the effect "foreign substance" has on the ball is that it creates an unbalanced ball which supposedly affects the flight of the ball, somewhat like a knuckle ball.
Personally, I do not see any effect which could be caused by resin unless it was packed into the stitching. Personally, I think this is a leftover rule from the old baseball days. Ugh, I hated using that word, but sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.
And, I still contend that the umpires' call was based on assumption not fact. Like I said, there is nothing in the rule which demands the defenders wipe off their hands after use.