YGTBSM!!!:rolleyes:

I know you can't get this concept because all the fields where you live are pristine pastures of grassy splendor, but in many areas, 9 out of 10 fields are all dirt infields, or else just the infield itself is grass, but not the surrounding areas. Like California, for example. Nobody is going to "scribe" a circle around the plate area. Are you serious? These people can't be bothered to draw batters boxes or foul lines half the time, and you want a scribed circle? I guess we could draw it with a bat, since the chalk roller is usually locked up somewhere and not accessible.

How does this differ from all of the other (much more common) - "you called that pitch for them, call it for us" - type arguments? You going to set up some lasers to make the strike zone in the air for them now? I think we all know how to handle, "You let the other guy get farther..." nonsense just fine.

What if it is not locked up? Where did you get your stats about 9 out 10 fields? How do you know all the fields where Rich lives are pristine pastures of grassy splendor? Are you related to Doug Eddings?

I don't think I have ever seen a batter walk off casually who was not tagged by the catcher.

And 9U leagues (and LL) allow batters to run to 1b when 3rd strike not caught? Thought that started when runners allowed to lead off.

Great point DG!

Missed that +1

Majors (12 year olds) in LL now allow runners to advance on uncaught third strikes (usual caveats). Optional in the regular season, mandatory during tournaments.

PERFECT response.

I agree... but then again, I said that once and was ripped for being too hard on a new guy. "Why can't you just answer the question ..." yada yada.

In order: Still not doing it. Estimated by knowledge of fields in my own area. Rich once posted that all fields are grass infield, outfield, foul territory where he lives and they don't have all dirt fields at all. No.

In order: You were being facetious toward Rich. 'Nuff said.

I once coached in a league that had 4 fields at the same site, 3 of the 4 had dirt infields. The league had 9-10 and 11-12 divisions. Around these parts I have to say that these fields were the exception, more typically infields are dirt most everywhere.

Dirt circle is about 13' in ML size fields. Since 60 bases are about 2/3 the size of ML fields the dirt circle should be about 9', and where there is no grass, as an umpire we should be able to judge when a batter has given up without the need for a circle.

But again, it should only apply in leagues where runners can lead off bases, typically not done on 60' bases.

I just did a 10U game last weekend, 60' bases, 6 innings, leadoffs, balks, etc. Whatever works for them I guess. (One team stole almost every pitch, the other team stole like twice. One's in a league that allows steals, one is in a league that doesn't!)

This is judgment if there's not a circle there.

Call junior out. Nice time the next 9 year old Ken Griffey Jr. strikes out, he'll learn the situations where he should run.