Interference - Judgement, Rules Application, Both

BigUmp56 · #12 (**permalink**) Fri May 19, 2006, 12:59pm

Here are two quick examples of non balk calls and the subsequent explanation from the umpire's who blew the calls that should have been protested. Of course both were called in one of my sons game, so I'm biased.

Play # 1. R1 only. For whatever reason the pitcher assumed the rubber in the wind up. He steps back with his free foot, turns, and attempts a pickoff of R1.

When the coach of my sons team asked why this wasn't a balk, the umpire told him that as long as the pitcher steps back off of the rubber with either foot, it's not a balk.

Play #2 R1 and R3. LHP from set position steps to first from the rubber and fails to complete the throw.

Coach asks for explanation and the umpire says the pitcher doesn't have to throw to a base if it's occupied.

Tim.

View Poll Results: Can a call/non-call of interference ever be properly appealed.
Interference is a judgement call - no appeal/protest	4	14.29%
It includes both judgement & rules application - only application can be appealed protested	15	53.57%
The call/non-call cannot be challenged - only whether the proper penalty was applied	7	25.00%
A "non-call" can never be appealed/protested	2	7.14%
That's enough, Coach!	3	10.71%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 28. You may not vote on this poll

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