Malicious contact?

[jkumpire]

When I slowed the video down, it looked like the runner tried to get both shoulders around the player with the ball to get to the plate. So if the conference saw that, I could understand why they lifted the suspension. But had I been the umpire on the field it would be MC. That was my first impression from seeing it in real time, not in slow or stop action. Any other comments?

[DG]

Definitely MC in a FED game. In NCAA, which this appears to be, the umpire must judge if the runner is trying to score or just create MC. In this case I would say no MC per NCAA rules.

[Umpmazza]

Here is the NCAA rule on Collision...

Collision Rule
SECTION 7. The rules committee is concerned about unnecessary and
violent collisions with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all
bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive
players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.
a. When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is
in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:
(1) Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner
have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s
path to the base was blocked);
(2) Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate)
or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder; or
(3) Whether the runner was using flagrant contact to maliciously
dislodge the ball.
PENALTY—If the runner attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall
be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the
ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return
to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
A.R. 1—If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the runner
may make contact, slide into, or collide with a fielder as long as the runner is making a
legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.
A.R. 2—If the flagrant or malicious contact by the runner was before the runner’s
touching the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The
ball shall be declared dead immediately. All other base runners shall return to the bases
they occupied at the time of the pitch.
A.R. 3—If the contact was after a preceding runner had touched home plate, the
preceding runner will be ruled safe, the ball becomes dead immediately and all other base
runners will return to the base they had last touched before the contact.
A.R. 4—If the runner is safe and the collision is malicious, the runner shall be ruled safe
and ejected from the game. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team
may replace the runner.
b. If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly
without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The umpire
shall point and call, “That’s obstruction.” The umpire shall let the play
continue until all play has ceased, call time and award any bases that are
RULE 8 / BASE RUNING 103
justified in Rule 2. The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base
beyond the base last touched legally before the obstruction.
A.R.—If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the
obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead

[piaa_ump]

video feed ID showed the game as GSU vs Kennesaw State....no mention of any incident on the OWL website...

[rpumpire]

I captured the play in question from the longer video and added slow motion. The new video is posted here:

YouTube - Play at the plate

I think an argument could be made for an obstruction call against the pitcher. Without possession of the ball, he caused the runner to alter his stride before reaching the plate.

Also, I don't see this as malicious contact with the catcher.

[JJ]

If I saw this in an NCAA game, I'd have malicious contact, an out, and an ejection. No thought of obstruction.

JJ

[jkumpire]

JJ,

When I first saw the video that is what I would have called as well. Just to pick your brain fior a moment, what is it that convinces you of the MC call?

[DG]

Originally Posted by rpumpire

I think an argument could be made for an obstruction call against the pitcher. Without possession of the ball, he caused the runner to alter his stride before reaching the plate.

It would be a very weak argument of obstruction on F1.

[ManInBlue]

That looks like MC to me. The you tube slow mo video shows him "reset" his feet and lower his shoulders (which is kind of what I saw in real time).

The rules state "if in the umpire's judgement..." So the rules of conduct are there, it's our judgment whether or not they are violated. The PU made that judgement and called MC apparently (although the video says it was for not sliding - we all know better). How can they use video to overturn a judgment call? Are they going to review every balk and every banger at first?

I agree with MC. I disagree with overturning it.