The Official Forum - Favorite Myths

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Quote:

Originally posted by GarthB
Chuckfan1:

Okay, now that that is settled, how could a "tie" go to the runner when there are no ties in baseball? You get paid to make the decision, is he out or safe? It's up to you.

Consider: Why was the play so close?

Did the defense turn in a fantastic play to make an out possible where it didn't appear to be so? Call the out.

Did the defense screw up and let the runner make it so damn close most can't tell? Safe.

Did the runner put out half hearted effort on what should have been an easy single. Call the out.

Did the runner show phenomenal "Pete Rose" hustle and make what should have been an easy out too close to tell? Safe.

When it's really that close, I reward the better play.

And remember, there are no ties in baseball.

[Edited by GarthB on Dec 12th, 2002 at 09:31 PM]

This is exactly the way I call bang-bang plays. Only way it really makes sense to me given the fact that I can't possibly discern which was first when it *appears* to be a tie.

I believe the official rule states that the runner must beat the ball to the base. Therefore if the runner does not beat the ball to the base as would be the case in a "tie" then the runner is out. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

In Christ,

Pastor Charlie

Pastor:

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to find a "tie" in the rule book.

I believe the reason there are no "ties" is in fact due to the fact that the rule book states that the runner must "beat" the ball to the bag. Again correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks!

In Christ,

Pastor Charlie

Actually Charlie, the "who beats what" rule for the batter going to first is opposite from the rule for runners forced to advance, thus another reason to stop thinking about ties.

Call safe or out. 50% of those present will disagree no matter what you call.

I see that no one is in danger of drowning here.

I was speaking pro rules for which all of my favorite myths are accurate, as for the other codes, I don't know... they "claim" to be like pro rules with "safety" (and other) exceptions.

Uh--Huh...Right!

Guess I'm one of those "call 'em like the pro's" kinda guys since that's what Mr. Evan's and BUD taught me. I noted that high school ball has a single specific interpretation from the list.

Just an imperfect world, I guess?

Once was; Tie to the runner

For the amusement of the rules historians out there;
Quoting from the Umpire's Guide I have at hand. You guess the year;

"A ball held at first base - (note): In order that the player running to first base be put out, the ball, hit by the bat and fielded to the first baseman by some one of the nine fielders - counting himself - must be securely held by the base player BEFORE the base runner reaches the base. If simultaneously, the base runner is not put out, the ball must positively have been held BEFORE the player reaches the base or the Umpire must decide the base runner "not out.""

From the first professional Base Ball Umpire's Guide published; DeWitt's 1875.
So, ...in what year are we proposing that it changed??? (tongue firmly in cheek)

Paul "Coot" Hunkele
http://www.vbba.org

"The hands are part of the bat."

"The bunted ball stopped on home plate - it's got to be foul!"

"He was on the base when the batted ball hit him - he can't be out."

"The batter didn't mean to interfere with the catcher's throw, so he can't be out."

Merry Christmas!