Babe Ruth rule question

[goldenaleus]

An Umpire calls time with a base runner on 2nd. During the called time, the base runner walks half way to 3rd base and then the ball is put in play.

Shouldn't the Umpire make the base runner reset to 2B since when time was called that was where the base runner was at that time?

Thanks in advance!

[johnnyg08]

Why didn't the defense try to pick him off after the ball was put back in play?

Yeah, there is a retouch the base rule which was designed for this type of play...years and years ago there was an MLB guy who after a foul ball would go stand right next to his next base and declare "this is my lead." Yeah, it probably could've been handled differently by the ump, but the defense also shares some of this burden. Esp at the Babe Ruth level.

[goldenaleus]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Why didn't the defense try to pick him off after the ball was put back in play?

We asked the Parent that. We told him if the Umpire is not doing his job then you have to tell your team to be on the ball. The base runner would be cut down 9 times out of 10, especially being in the middle of the bases.

Enjoy your weekend!

[johnnyg08]

I think this type of situation would be to simply ask the umpire to call "Time" and ask the umpire to have the runner return to the base and to not start his lead until he puts the ball back in play. Many Babe Ruth umpires are just getting started...give 'em a hand and it eventually it will benefit all of the teams. The player may not know he's doing anything wrong either. This can be a teaching opportunity for everybody.

[Blue37]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Yeah, there is a retouch the base rule which was designed for this type of play...

NCAA and MLB rules do require a retouch but, in Fed, the rule does not require a "retouch", only a "return". (8-2-2)

The following Authoritative Opinion from Jim Evans as cited in the 2009 BRD is applicable for MLB and, by extension, Babe Ruth if that is the source of their core rules: "Professional umpires routinely put the ball back in play before runners actually retouch. As a matter of fact, many runners never actually retouch their original bases before the next pitch is delivered. This is a common and accepted practice in pro baseball. Umpires, however, are cautioned to make sure runners are back in the close vicinity of their original bases before they put the ball in play in accordance with Rule 5.11."

Follow-up question: What is the penalty if the runner does not retouch after a foul ball?

[johnnyg08]

I'm pretty sure it's a "don't do that" then if he's non compliant, you can eject. As you stated, Babe Ruth uses modified OBR...there's a significant difference between kids and adults playing under pro rules. Umpires typically should manage the game differently. At least that's how I'd train a new umpire.

As I said earlier, I'm not going to ticky-tack if there's not a physical retouch. The purpose of the rule is to eliminate the sitatuation I listed above.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Blue37

Follow-up question: What is the penalty if the runner does not retouch after a foul ball?

Nothing. It's not even a "don't do that."

Without the rule, as has been alluded to before, either the offense would tak an 89' lead and easily steal the next base once the ball was in play, or the defense would try to get the ball in play when the runner was 45' from the base and get an easy out.

As long as both teams are happy with the runner's position, put the ball in play.

[mbyron]

I agree with Bob.

And, if you screw it up: fix it and start over.

[jdmara]

First of all, I agree with Bob. Once the ball is put in play by the umpire every runner is assumed to have retouched.

Some guys around this area take the literal approach to the rule and require each runner to touch the base before play can resume. IMO this is unneeded and drags the game out. I make sure they are close and then lets get going as long as everyone is ready for play.

-Josh

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by jdmara

Some guys around this area take the literal approach to the rule and require each runner to touch the base before play can resume.

Classic OOO