Play at the plate

[MikeStrybel]

Bob, I know the rule was changed. As an IHSA Clinician, I have gone over that many times this year. It was on the books for decades though. It seems appropriate to mention when comparing the need for clarification regarding MC vs. obstruction, don't you agree? Things can change.

Regarding the ball hitting the pitching plate, it seems almost absurd that a ball could hit that piece of rubber without infield contact prior. Maybe I have been fortunate to work at fields that didn't have deep enough holes in front of the rubber. Even a speck of dirt negates the call.

They say the ball travels off some of these new bats at almost twice the velocity it was pitched. That would equate to a ball traveling to the pitching plate in less than .3 of a second for non professional ball. A blink takes .4, so discerning contact with the plate only is a pretty tough sell. Still, if you saw it happen I hope you bought a lottery ticket that day.

Be safe and enjoy your games, if you can get them in this week!

Mike

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Regarding the ball hitting the pitching plate, it seems almost absurd that a ball could hit that piece of rubber without infield contact prior. Maybe I have been fortunate to work at fields that didn't have deep enough holes in front of the rubber. Even a speck of dirt negates the call.

Are you sure about that?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Are you sure about that?

Welpe, thanks my friend...it is a foul ball. This is what happens when you type replies while helping your ten year old finish his science homework. I hope he did better than I did with that messed up post!

I have never witnessed this play so I can plead a bit of ignorance. Have you ever seen it happen? Do you know of any other rules that are little used in Fed? Thanks again for not breaking out the taser for my flub. I will happily admit when I am wrong and this was one example.

Enjoy the season and I look forward to getting started with mine once this crappy weather rolls out.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

As an IHSA Clinician,

Really? I mean, really?

[MikeStrybel]

I'm not sure what your concern is.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

I'm not sure what your concern is.

I'm always curious as to how the various states select their "clinicians", how many they select and what what official status they give to their clinicians' rulings.

It seems to differ drastically from states who have one appointed clinician to states where anyone who raised their hand is a clinician.

Quite honestly I'm surprised that someone who had been out of FED umpiring for any period of time would appointed a state clinician upon his/her return without spending some time to get back into the activity. But, different strokes.

[MikeStrybel]

Thanks for asking. I was asked to be an IHSA clinician eight years ago. The IHSA trains us to train the umpires registered with our state association. They mandate and certify our training sessions. The IHSA has taken great steps to improve the mechanics used by umpires and communicate changes as they happen. I take great pride in what I do for the IHSA. Each of our clinics is rated and we are retained based on performance.

While I spent time abroad, I was heavily involved in umpire training and rule interpretation the entire time. I will tell you more in a PM if you would like. I see that even a brief mention of one's experience can be considered bragging and that was not my goal. I apologize of any of you thought I was. I make mistakes and try to learn from them.

Best wishes. I am off to vacation with my family for the kids' Spring Break. I won't miss the snow.