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Doing a 3-pitch tournament semi-final this summer. Two out R1 on first. Batter hits grounder to F4. R1 seeing the tag attempt coming stops and backs a step. F4 drops the ball as he is trying to tag. R1 promptly runs around him.
Now the fun starts. F3 F4 and F9 are all arguing at the BU that R1 is out for backing up. The BU is having none of that argument. I'm standing just up the 1st base line watching R1 touch the bags as he comes around to score. Still arguing. Finally the defence notices that the runners are running. The throw home is just a little late to catch the BR.
The ensuing discussion was colourful to say the least. The entire defence team as well as most of the spectators and not a few of the offensive team, are adamant that the R1 is out, "everyone calls it that way". They appeal to me (not as PU but as the UIC for the league. No dice guys good call 2 runs score. I get a For ***** sake just admit ump that you don't know the rules! from the bench.
Next day I send them a copy of the case book play (identical play) showing that the runner is allowed to back up to avoid the tag). Sigh.
If nothing else the entertainment value can be high in AA softball.
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