Dead Ball?

[BretMan]

Did you actually talk to the umpire and did he actually say he saw the pitch touch the batter? We know the rule, but what we don't know is what the plate umpire saw and judged. Maybe he didn't call time because he didn't see it hit the batter.

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Did you actually talk to the umpire and did he actually say he saw the pitch touch the batter? We know the rule, but what we don't know is what the plate umpire saw and judged. Maybe he didn't call time because he didn't see it hit the batter.

Absolutely. At first I was going to let it go but a light bulb went off when I thought "that hit the batter, it's a dead ball." I asked for time to discuss it with the PU. The PU said that it was still a live ball even though it had hit the batter. The BU came in and backed him up on it as well (both that the batter was hit by the ball and that it was still live).

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Rufus

Absolutely. At first I was going to let it go but a light bulb went off when I thought "that hit the batter, it's a dead ball." I asked for time to discuss it with the PU. The PU said that it was still a live ball even though it had hit the batter. The BU came in and backed him up on it as well (both that the batter was hit by the ball and that it was still live).

Sounds like at least a friendly conversation with the UIC is in order. Even the most green umpire should know the ball is dead here. Might not know what to do about it on a strike ... but SURELY should know it's dead.

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Sounds like at least a friendly conversation with the UIC is in order. Even the most green umpire should know the ball is dead here. Might not know what to do about it on a strike ... but SURELY should know it's dead.

I actually know the assignor for this association and I discussed with him that day and he confirmed the BU's ruling. Based on my research and this thread he and I had a discussion this afternoon that was very cordial. I wasn't looking to score points or "win" an argument, but wanted to be sure there was an understanding of the rule and see if he had a different interpretation (he and I go back a few years and he has always been approachable which is why I felt comfortable handling this way).

I made sure to let him know that one call didn't win/lose the game for us (us not scoring enough and allowing too many runs took care of that) and emphasized that I call basketball, am always looking to get rules correct, and will do research to ensure I get the correct answer. He was appreciative and said he'd be sure to let his guys know for future reference.

[jicecone]

So the PU didn't know.

The BU didn't know.

Their assignor didn't know.

Coach, you have a long season ahead of you.

[MD Longhorn]

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.

[kylejt]

Honestly, someone needs to put a tent on that circus.

What type of ball is this? Little League? PONY? HS? Someone in a position of authority is giving out some bum information. I wonder what other type of nonsense is being dispensed.

Edit: You said FED, but maybe it's little kids, with rookie umpires, playing HS rules. If this is HS, then the kids are really being shortchanged by idiots. These fellows are making good money. They should know the basics. Why rookies are allowed to do ANY sort of HS ball is beyond me. Start in LL, and work your way up. Some of the worst umpires I've ever seen are working at the HS level, and there's no reason for it. You should, IMO, have at least two years on the diamond before you work a HS game. The kids deserve it.

[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.