BR Abandonment vs Force-outs

[David Emerling]

Originally posted by BigUmp56

This has been a very insightfull thread! IMO- this is the type of discussion that makes these forums so educational.

As it appears there is no definitive source that gives more clarity on this issue, I will tell you what I think I will now do if this ever happens to me, based on the responses you've all given.

1) Once a batter steps into the dugout, I have an out. I'll buy in to the Roder interpretation that the batter can be called out for desertion on a batted ball before touching first base.

2) Although I have the batter out, I'm holding off making that call until all continuing action has relaxed, keeping the force intact.

3) If challenged, I'd just tell the offensive manager that I didn't see exactly when his batter entered the dugout, and in my judgement, it was after the DP was recorded.

Tim.

I think this is probably a very practical, if not totally correct, way of handling the situation.

However, I think you can accomplish the same thing without having to resort to your Step #3. Why have, as part of your solution, a confession of your failing to discern something that an inquiring coach finds critical?

Since there is really nothing the coach can use as a reference to challenge your ruling, you might as well characterize your way of handling it as "standard."

I would change your Step #3 to ...

3) If challenged, I'd just tell the offensive manager that the "out" for his batter's desertion is recorded after all continuous action has ended. The defense should not be burdened with sorting out the complex ramifications of the batter's desertion.

This way you don't have to admit that you failed to observe something and the manager will certainly not be able to challenge the "accuracy" of your ruling since he will have no ready reference to challenge you ... not even a rulebook!

Hell, we're all umpires and even WE toiled with the ruling. The manager will certainly not fair any better. In fact, he'll probably be impressed - although not pleased.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[Edited by David Emerling on Nov 13th, 2005 at 11:12 AM]