Delay of game (rebuttal article)

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by Okblu

I agree with you David. This happens all the time in Okla. I've never had a problem with batters leaving the box to get signals from the coach as long as they return quickly. I have had to call batters back though(warning), and usually this takes care of the screwing around.

Exactly!

The type of activity you see in that video, to me, is completely normal.

I have no problem with a batter completely stepping out to get his signals as long as he promptly returns to the batter's box without screwing around.

I don't even mind a practice swing or two as long as the pitcher and catcher are still not ready.

You know what wastes more time in this whole process? It's not the batter. When the batter is ready, the catcher stares over at his dugout while the coach touches every part of his face for the next 10-seconds. Look at the catcher in the videoclip, when it seems the batter is holding up the process you'll also notice that the catcher isn't ready himself. He's usually staring at the dugout.

To me FED 7-3-1 is nothing more than a hammer in the umpire's toolbox. It's nice to know it's there if you need it. But not every job needs a hammer.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN