I agree with others and just pitch the ball. With 2 outs, as in the OP, The odds of a force out are higher and the run won't count anyway. Even on a base hit you have a chance at a force at 2nd.

You could also throw the ball to the RFer and chase R1 back toward 1st while checking R3. It would also depend on the situation. If it were tied in the last, I would pitch and make them beat me. I may load 'em up and eliminate the skunk. If we were up, I would simply get the sure out.

Absolutely ... but not for the reason you stated. "travesty of the game" appears exactly once in the rulebook and it applies to a VERY specific situation - one I've never seen or heard of during my lifetime. Yet those 4 words get trotted out every time an umpire (usually a Smitty) doesn't like the completely legal yet unorthodox tactics someone is using.

They should add another reference to "travesty of the game." When a Smitty makes up a fake rule and thereby is making a travesty of the game with his umpiring.

Here's a travesty: Someone would refer to a coach who utilizes this dumb play as "the smartest coach in the world."

I love this and the one below but I'll just make one post.

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Mr U . . . great call, that was my first thought after reading the OP.

T

Both a mockery and a travesty?
 

A runner standing in the outfield is both a mockery and a travesty of the game. It happens when one team has a weak pitcher, catcher, or third baseman.

Ive seen it once in LL. The team didn't need the skunk in the outfield to distract the defense. It merely had R3 run half way down the line on every pitch. The pitcher had to walk in to get the ball from the catcher. The catcher had to walk half way up the third base line to encourage the runner to return to base. Delay after delay after delay after every pitch.

I warned the coach to put a stop to it after his third successful runner safely reached home. Of course, he reacted as if it really hurt his teams chances of success. Could I return the game fee and walk away?