Dead Ball?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

A couple of years ago, I was the PU for a boys' 13U Travel League game. Same batter two At-Bats in a row: With two strikes on him he swings and misses on a pitch that comes up and in on him striking him in the chest. Two strike outs for the batter. The first time his coach gave a half-hearted protest but gave up when I wouldn't buy his argument that the swinging of the batter doesn't count.

MTD, Sr.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I can't overestimate how sad it makes me that someone has risen to the UIC level and doesn't know this simple principle. Really makes you wonder what other things he doesn't know and should. This is REALLY basic stuff.

The UIC I worked with wasn't that skilled in rules, either. It doesn't surprise me of OP's situation, and it also makes me sad.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Actually, it seems to me that (assuming the umpire knows the rules and has proven it via test!) it's actually easier to umpire a high school game than an 8U game. You can know 80% of the rules and have nothing happen in a high school season that you can't handle. Yeah, you may miss one here and there, but for the most part, you'll be ok. (At the same time, generally you want your rookies working with a veteran for a while).

However, at 8U or 10U - those 20% of the rules that you don't know will ALL pop up, all in your very first game.

Granted, but that's where you learn all those crazy rules, and see all the nutty stuff so the upper division games are a breeze.

Example: I helped out the local and did a 8-9 year old playoff game last night. One runner got obstructed at second and third, then got thrown out at the plate by ten feet. So I added up the those two, called time, and awarded him home. Can you imagine all the question marks over everyone's head? Luckily, nobody questions my calls at the little guy park. "He knows what he's doing out there", I heard from behind the backstop.

The next game was 9-11. More goofy plays. IFF yes/no on several balls. High enough? Any gonna catch it? Lots of judgement calls in 2 hours o' fun. More plays at the plate than a month of Senior league games.

Cut your teeth on the little guys first, before you hit the big field.

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Cut your teeth on the little guys first, before you hit the big field.

Thank the Lord there is no (1) Special Pinch Runner or (2) bases loaded, any runner leaves early and the batted ball doesn't leave the infield to deal with on the big field.

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Please, for got's sake, tell us the umpire didn't give this runner 1st or allow anyone to advance (or worse... say "Hands are part of the bat.")

this play happen to our crew in a DI game on sat.. and yes the 3rd base coach says " but it hit him in the hands" and I said so? " but the hands are part of the bat" and I told him, if you go to the store and buy a bat, do the hands come with it".. he just shrugged and said your right...LOL

[BretMan]

That's an old saw and I guess it's good that he bought it. Personally, this kind of explanation isn't the kind I like to give. It's kind of a smart a$$ answer and often the coach will take it that you're just being a smart a$$.

I prefer a more professional answer.

Coach: But the hands are part of the bat.

Me: No, that is incorrect, By rule, the hands are not part of the bat. They are part of the batter.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by BretMan

By rule, the hands are not part of the bat. They are part of the batter.[/I]

Don't say that - he'll go looking for the rule that says it and won't find and call you names.

[BretMan]

Well then, if he calls me names he's gone!

And I will eject him with content that I have enforced the rule properly and that I gave the coach a professional, straightforward explanation of the rule and how it is interpreted, without having to resort to cute little smart a$$ retorts.