Clapping by Base Runners

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by Jimmie24

I believe that the rule he would use to enforce this would be 3-3-1o "call 'time' or use any command or comit any act for the purpose of causing a balk."

Let's just play ball!

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

[Jimmie24]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

I completely agree. That is what I figured that he used. To me, let's just play ball. That is what it is about. As an official we must use our judgement to determine what their actions are meant to be. I figure that is a tough sell on clapping trying to cause a balk. I personally wouldn't have anything.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

would have to see it and hear it to make a judgment on that one. i've seen a lot of bush league stuff. if this were the case...i'd probably let it go...after all, teams certainly have the right to cheer for their team.

[aschramm]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

Thought of that possibility, but if the same players were clapping while yelling encouraging words to their teammate at bat, you wouldn't claim they were acting unsportsmanlike, would you?

When I talked to the assistant coach, I made it clear that your players in the dugout can absolutely clap and cheer on their batter at the plate. It's when they do it on the field to distract, that we would have a problem.

[aschramm]

I found the rule, as someone had mentioned 3-1-1o, "A coach, player, substitute, or attendant shall not call "time" or use any command or commit any act for the purpose of causing a balk.

So, this is definitely a judgment call for the umpire. I know it can be conceived as nit-picky, but it can also just be effective game management for the umpires as well.

[johnnyg08]

Whether we think the guy on the mound is worthy of being called a pitcher or not is irrevelant. Whether the guy in the 1 position is me or Roy Halladay (FED), he's afforded the same opportunity to pitch w/o the offense attempted to illegally cause him to balk.

[tballump]

If it ain't bush league, then I wonder why they will be wearing an imprint of the seams on their ear if they ever get into higher leagues, and maybe a few shiners from the scuffle if they go after the pitcher.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Sounds like my daughters (and college for that matter) softball games...

No big deal, the pitcher just needs to pitch...a shot to the earhole is not out of the question...but if a team wants to act like that, be the bigger man (or team in this situation)

Are you sure this wasn't 8U??

[bossman72]

Any type of cheering/clapping - don't pick that booger. It's baseball.

[ozzy6900]

I've read the posts and I must say that I am very amazed with the amount of umpires that like to make up rules and adjust rules to fit situations. If a pitcher cannot endure clapping from a base runner, then he should not be on the mound. What do you want, silence out there? If you do, then go officiate golf, because that is the only sport that I know of where you are supposed to be quite during play!

There are enough rules out there, start learning them and using them correctly!

Finis

[yawetag]

3.1.1DD: Players from Team A begin taunting a player from Team B. RULING: If, in the judgment of the umpire, the infraction is of a minor nature, then the umpire shall issue a team warning to the coach of the involved players. Otherwise, the umpire shall eject the players, which also shall serve as a team warning.

If the umpire thought it was taunting, then he was correct. Otherwise, let them clap.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I've read the posts and I must say that I am very amazed with the amount of umpires that like to make up rules and adjust rules to fit situations. If a pitcher cannot endure clapping from a base runner, then he should not be on the mound. What do you want, silence out there? If you do, then go officiate golf, because that is the only sport that I know of where you are supposed to be quite during play!

There are enough rules out there, start learning them and using them correctly!

Finis

Preach on, brother Ozzy!

I'm with you, and have a hard time believing anyone would consider clapping a rules infraction. Bush league, sure, but not against the rules.


Tim.

[mbyron]

For HS ball and up, I say: "you want 'em to shut up? Get a double play."