Stealing Home

[GarthB]

"The runner had good but not terrific speed. He did get a good jump though. But this is from 90 feet and these are 14 year olds. He was almost 10 feet from home when the catcher got the ball.

I was curious because seeing the catcher get blocked by the batter gave me the impression that something unfair had taken place. Even though the ump said it was a fair play."


Jim, obviously one had to see the action to determine if there was sufficient time to expect the batter to vacate his spot in the box. In addtion to my FED and college duties I also work some youth ball and I have seen, as you indicate, times where, even on a steal and a caught pitch, the batter had enought time to wind his watch and still vacate his spot.

Is he staying in the way intentionally? Who knows. Some teams at this level are sophisticated enough that the batter has advance knowledge of the play and may well indeed be standing there, with all appearances of catching a bus, to provide cover for the runner.

I wasn't there. But my answer stands. It depends. Umpire judgment.

GB