Easy now big guy.

The book states "When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher's plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher's box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter".

A strict translation means if any runner is not in contact with a base when the pitcher and catcher are set, the umpires will drop their flags. We know that's not correct, but that's the way it reads. If we went by the letter of the wording F1 and F2 would race to their spots in order catch runners off base.

We all know the intention of this rule. And yes, there are widely varying translations to the above wording. Some go by the actual intent of the rule, and others by gospel of the green book. Third party edicts from Andy should be taken as seriously as the "a few stickers on a helmet are okay" statments from last year. (read: not very)

The intent is to keep the runner from gaining an advantage to the next base. But if an umpire is going to drop his flag because the battery is set before he gets back to the bag, or he momentarily lifts his foot off and on the base during the windup, who's the Smitty? I'm going with the spirit in which the rule was written, and not poorly crafted words that made it into the book.

That's what happens when one is half asleep after spending the day with a power washer trying to clean up after 6 1/2 feet of water invaded the house.


Anyhow, as the original post said the runner was just standing there and didn't return until after the pitcher started his windup, it is most definitely a flag throwing situation, the bases end up loaded with no run scoring.

Speed Rulez
 

If the pitcher and catcher decide to rush the game along, I for one will do my best to encourage it. I will also ask my partner to do the same thing. Hour and a half time limit set for the game. One side decides to rush a pitch every 12 seconds or less. Hey, runners beware. As a result, the game ends in 1 hour 10 minutes. Umps now have an extra twenty minute rest period before the next game. Time for that soda and hotdog.:D

Please note
 

Even though the rule doesn't spell out what the off-base runner is doing, I flagged him because he was standing flat-footed off the base, making no attempt to return, when F1 was beginning his pitch.

This, for me, amplifies the violation, causing the hanky.

Ace

Ace ...................
 

FWIW, I think your application of this rule is spot-on. I know you'll probably sleep alot better tonight knowing I agree with you.:D :D :D




Doug