Smartest Coach in the World

[thumpferee]

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.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

I would be very careful trying to use 'mockery of the game' to justify making calls.

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.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

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.

[MrUmpire]

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

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

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.

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

[Tim C]

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

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

T

[SAump]

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?