another running lane decision

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

PBUC evaluators will tell you that while that is true, it should not be interpreted as meaning the throw can come from anywhere.

The rule came about when the the first base bag straddled the base line. The inside portion "belonged" to the fielder, the outside. The rule was to protect the fielder's opportunity to field a throw from the plate and area between the mound and home, not to necessarily restrict the runner.

The comment from PBUC that "expanded" from where the throw could orginate was meant to include the mound and the areas of infield where the angle of a quality throw could still result in the runner interfering with the opporutnity of the fielder to field the throw.

A direct throw from F4 and most throws from F5 and F6 are still not ingredients to invoke this rule, at least in the mind of the evaluator I spoke with, and is certainly not included in what is taught at proschool.

When CC first reported the ruling he had a major hissy fit about it. The first time it was in the BRD there was considerable "editorial comment" - since removed. The impression I got back then was that the throw could come from anywhere, and I think I remember that there was an additional comment from Fitzpatrick on the order of not giving the runner license to crash into the fielder.

If F3 or F4 is throwing, from beyond the base, to F1 covering, do you not want to protect the fielder?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

If F3 or F4 is throwing, from beyond the base, to F1 covering, do you not want to protect the fielder?

We're are talking about a running lane violation here, i.e. the runner, by the act of being out of the running lane interfering with the fielder's opportunity to field the ball. You'll need to do a better job of creating a TWP of a throw coming from the outfield side of first being interfered with by a runner on the home side of first.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

We're are talking about a running lane violation here, i.e. the runner, by the act of being out of the running lane interfering with the fielder's opportunity to field the ball. You'll need to do a better job of creating a TWP of a throw coming from the outfield side of first being interfered with by a runner on the home side of first.

What TWP? F1 runs to the line to the HP side if 1B and then runs parallel to the line for the last few feet. He does this so he doesn't cross paths with the runner. The throw from F3 comes from the back of the infield. It's a normal, everyday play.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

What TWP? F1 runs to the line to the HP side if 1B and then runs parallel to the line for the last few feet. He does this so he doesn't cross paths with the runner. The throw from F3 comes from the back of the infield. It's a normal, everyday play.

And what....does the runner interfere with the throw?

[kylejt]

I've got an issue with the NCAA video, at about 7 minutes into it. They're praising the hustle of the PU to get to the 45 foot mark, but if you watch closely he cuts off the catcher on HIS way down the line. I've been taught, and teach that you let the catcher go, and come in behind him. For RHBs, I'll go to the left of the catcher and follow the batter up the line. For lefties, I'll follow the catcher out. Either way I'd never cut off the catcher like was shown in the clip.

[bobbybanaduck]

as taught at both umpire schools, clear the catcher to the left. i had multiple issues with the video. if there's some interest from guys on here i'll go through it. if not, i'll just keep my issues to myself.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by bobbybanaduck

as taught at both umpire schools, clear the catcher to the left. i had multiple issues with the video. if there's some interest from guys on here i'll go through it. if not, i'll just keep my issues to myself.

I agree that he should have let the catcher clear. This mechanic was true even before they made the video so I am not sure what being an early video had to do with it.

Maybe I missed the balk there but, I tend to believe the phantom balk, was what got the official in hot water to begin with. HTBT probably. The video did point out how not to handle a situtation though.

Good job on pointing out that BU's should keep there mouths tight unless, 100% sure of a foul off the batter.

[JJ]

It's always a good rule of thumb to come out from the left side of the plate. The video is not very good at the mechanic, but the intent was to show the hustle. Remember, this was in the "early" days of NCAA video.

JJ

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

And what....does the runner interfere with the throw?

Remember, we're talking about a runner out of the lane.

Maybe he bumps the pitcher, causing a drop or miss.

Maybe he blocks the quality throw.

The rule does say "interferes with the fielder taking the throw" after all.

You'd call it if the throw came from the plate area would you not?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Remember, we're talking about a runner out of the lane.

You'd call it if the throw came from the plate area would you not?

Exactly. I would call the rule by its intent, even its expanded intent.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Exactly. I would call the rule by its intent, even its expanded intent.

Great. if you're even umpiring one of my games I'll just tell the runner to run inside the 1B line and bump the pitcher just as he's ready to catch the ball, knowing it'll be a non-call from you.