Play in Fordam-Iona game.
 

Check out this play and let the debate begin using NFHS, NCAA, and OBR/MLB rules sets:

Superman leap makes Fordham player a viral video hit - Big League Stew - MLB Blog - Yahoo! Sports

MTD, Sr.

I'll take one. Is this a "leap" or a "jump"? Fielder is not laying on the ground.

FED

2. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the
slide must be legal. (2-32-1, 2) Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.

PENALTY: The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder’s choice.

Nothing to debate.

Illegal in FED because it's a dive. You don't even have to think about the fielder on the ground part.

Legal in NCAA and OBR.

I agree with Rich...I couldn't find anything in OBR or NCAA.

Great clip for study though.

+1

have to admit, quite a play.

Thanks
David

But not unique. A video or photo of plays like this makes the rounds every once in a while.

PU-Rob Harty

I saw the video but didn't hear the audio. I understand the rule, but can anyone determine what the Iona coach was arhuing about? Whas he arguing that the runner missed the plate or that his catcher tagged him? If this is legal in NCAA, I was just wondering what the argument was all about.

I thought the coach was arguing the catcher tagged him. But, from the "non-reaction" of the catcher to the call, it was pretty obvious (to me anyhow) the catcher knew he missed the tag.

In the audio, the announcers said (obviously they're are assuming) that the Iona HC was arguing that the catcher tagged the runner has he leaped up and over him. I'm sure from the dugout the Iona HC could see (maybe even hear) his catcher's initial reaction to the PU's call, hence his coming out to argue.
No definite knowledge.... just an assumption on my part.

Does Fed define "dive?"

Edit: never mind. I don't really think its a dive, but even so, it appears a runner can't jump over a fielder in Fed. Regardless, it HAS to fit under one of those two.

You don't think that was a dive?

Wow!

OMG! I hope you do not do FED ball!

Well, there was no pool of deep water involved, if that is what you define a dive to be in FED. But it was a textbook example of dive over a catcher as I have ever seen.

Side discussion question - is anybody running the coach immediately for charging out there like he did?

Discuss

Not initially, but when the ump walks away toward the 1st base line and the guy runs over in front of him, he'd be gone in my game.

The ump knew it was a unique play and I think he knew an explanation was necessary. But once that explanation was given, it is time to move on. No way I'd let him dance around in circles and act like a little banty rooster. Without a doubt, the second time the coach walked away then came back he would have been dumped.

The second round of gestures would've earned this coach a ride to the parking lot.

But maybe that conference expects its umpires to take a poop sandwich from the coaches. Wouldn't surprise me.

IMO, at that particular point in the argument, (:38 sec mark), it would have been a bad ejection. Now, if you want to make argument for tossing him for what appears to be him turning away from the plate and spitting on the ground apparently in disgust at the call (:30 sec mark), yeah perhaps an ejection is warranted.
That said, there are several things that we have no knowledge of from the video:
1) From the start of the argument, was the Iona HC arguing only the fact that he felt his catcher had tagged the runner, and not also the legality of the "dive" aspect of the play? We know the dive is legal under NCAA rules, maybe the coach did not, and the PU had get that part settled.

2) If the coach was aware, then all the argument is about (despite the "uniqueness" of the play), is a tag/no tag judgement call on a close play at home. Most times on that type of play, when either the runner or defensive player react instantly like that, we're going to have either the OC or DC coming out to argue...there's a run at stake one way or the other.

3) Despite what we see in the video regarding the physical actions of the Iona coach, for all we know he was arguing the play with the PU in a respectful tone, despite his objection to the call. Also, he might be the type of coach that rarely argues and has a a good rep among the MCAA umps so his rep as a decent guy earns him a little "extra rope."

4) It's an NCAA DI game, when (if) the video is reviewed, by the NCAA and/or the MAAC, how would the PU and the crew's handling of the sitch (3rdBU did a good job getting in quickly to get the Iona P&C out of there) be evaluated?Good no ejection? or Should have been ejected?

Bossman....good side discussion. Other opinions?

I would imagine there is some "water under the bridge" that goes along with this. The PU kind of looked like he was just playing along with the coach.

Personally, when he runs out like that he is on a very short leash. But, you can't tell what he said, he might have been in agreement with the call, but was just making a show for the crowd and his players.

You know how coaches can be ...

Thanks
David

7.08 Any runner is out when --(a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from his baseline to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s baseline is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely;....

Does the term "away from his baseline" only mean laterally or could it mean vertically as well? If the catcher was 6ft tall..., there's your evidence right there! :)