Calling a Game Due to Darkness

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Steve,

You got it regarding the visitor's catcher stating he couldn't see. Here is the exact wording from the Constitution (note it does not mention reverting):

“Official” games that do not reach the standard seven innings due to the elements are considered complete and will brecorded in the division standings as a win, loss or tie."

It says that unless stated in the American Legion Rules, Major League rules are used. Since it doesn't say anything about the score reverting in the Legion Rules, then you go by OBR. You record it in the standings as a win for the HOME team, as by rule, the score reverts to the previous inning. If it were tied, then it's a tie, but otherwise it's a win if the home team was ahead the previous inning.

I would take that to the highest authority. No way would I let the visitors win, as they did not earn it.

2009 AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL RULES

American Legion Baseball (both Senior and Junior Legion Teams) shall be played in accordance with rules adopted by the National Americanism Commission of The American Legion. With only a few exceptions, all department (state) and national tournaments will follow the Official Baseball Rules as authorized by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Changes to the Official Baseball Rules may be made by the National Americanism Commission and are noted in Rule 1 of the American Legion Baseball rules. These rules generally pertain to matters of safety, equipment and insurance and are made with the welfare of the players in mind. These rules may be further modified by the departments (states) for regular season play only and cannot conflict with national rules.

All national tournaments will follow rules established by The American Legion’s National Americanism Commission.

Both Senior and Junior teams shall follow these rules with a few exceptions for Junior Legion Baseball, which shall be marked in Green.

Senior American Legion Baseball shall be a 19 and under program.

Junior American Legion Baseball shall be a 17 and under program.

[Ump29]

There is NO provision under OBR for the score to revert to anything.

[Paul L]

OBR 4.12: "(a) A game shall become a suspended game that must be completed at a future date if the game is terminated for . . . (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from being turned on."

I thought the score of a regulation game would revert to the end of the last completed inning too, but I cannot find any rule support under OBR. But that is the rule for Fed baseball (4-2-3) and softball. See BRD 440.

[dash_riprock]

I don't announce "last inning" or anything like that. I don't care what the score is, who's ahead, or how much time the inning (or half-inning) might take. When there is not enough light to play safely (in MY judgment), I call it. Let someone else figure out who won. I don't care about that either.

[Ump29]

Originally Posted by Paul L

OBR 4.12: "(a) A game shall become a suspended game that must be completed at a future date if the game is terminated for . . . (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from being turned on."

I thought the score of a regulation game would revert to the end of the last completed inning too, but I cannot find any rule support under OBR. But that is the rule for Fed baseball (4-2-3) and softball. See BRD 440.

You will not find a reference to this in OBR as it was removed many years ago. It is now one of those "rule myths".

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Ump29

You will not find a reference to this in OBR as it was removed many years ago. It is now one of those "rule myths".

Huh? It's on p. 39:

OBR Rule 4

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Ump29

You will not find a reference to this in OBR as it was removed many years ago. It is now one of those "rule myths".

Originally Posted by mbyron

Huh? It's on p. 39:

OBR Rule 4

Yes, it was changed to become a suspended game, although many leagues that don't like the idea of coming back another day to resume the game still just revert the score to the previous inning for the sake of convenience. Rule 4.12(a)(4) covers darkness, and includes fields which have no lights.

[Ump29]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Huh? It's on p. 39:

OBR Rule 4

I was referring to the score reverting back to the previous inning. Sorry for the mis-interpretation of my post.

[DonInKansas]

Doesn't matter one way or another to me. Call it and let the honchos figure it out.