When has a batter given himself up?

[RSturgell]

Home team at bat, bottom of 6, 2 outs and R3. Full count on B1. Pitch comes in batter swings and misses, catcher drops ball. B1 starts walking toward his 3rd base side dugout and gets 4 to 5 steps out of box. 3rd base coach is going crazy telling him to run to 1st. B1 then starts to 1st. I call B1 out and say the game is over because B1 had not attempted to run. Obviously coach is not happy and said I called the play to quick. When is the batter considered out in this situation when not attempting to run?
Oh yeah all of this in a 9u game being umpired by just yours truly. Fun times.

[mbyron]

OBR: BR out when he leaves the dirt circle/vicinity of the plate.

FED: BR out when he enters the dugout.

9U: don't lose any sleep on this call.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbyron

OBR: BR out when he leaves the dirt circle/vicinity of the plate.

FED: BR out when he enters the dugout.

9U: don't lose any sleep on this call.

If it's Little League, it's when he enters the dugout (or DBT).

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by mbyron

OBR: BR out when he leaves the dirt circle/vicinity of the plate.

FED: BR out when he enters the dugout.

9U: don't lose any sleep on this call.

Ditch "vicinity" - it's when he leaves the dirt circle. Saying "vicinity" validates the call in question and allows a discression not intended by rule.

GROUPthink is correct in LL rules.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Ditch "vicinity" - it's when he leaves the dirt circle. Saying "vicinity" validates the call in question and allows a discression not intended by rule.

GROUPthink is correct in LL rules.

In many 9-under games, the field is ALL dirt, which is probably why the "vicinity" clause is in the rule.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by CT1

In many 9-under games, the field is ALL dirt, which is probably why the "vicinity" clause is in the rule.

I added the word 'vicinity', precisely to address the situation you mention.

For those who dislike it, substitute "10-13 feet from the plate."

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I added the word 'vicinity', precisely to address the situation you mention.

For those who dislike it, substitute "10-13 feet from the plate."

The reason Little League has cited for *not* moving to this is the inconsistency of the size of circles at fields used all over the country.

I had a HS player take one step towards his dugout and the other coach was all over us saying "He gave himself up!" Wrong rule set, wrong application. The coach was 0-for-2.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by CT1

In many 9-under games, the field is ALL dirt, which is probably why the "vicinity" clause is in the rule.

You had to beat me to it by a second

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by CT1

In many 9-under games, the field is ALL dirt, which is probably why the "vicinity" clause is in the rule.

"Vicinity" is not in the rule.

Rule 6.09(b) Comment: A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.

If there's no grass then you can envision where it would be, but if you do so be consistent. Might even be worth scribing one at the start of the game.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Might even be worth scribing one at the start of the game.

No way, Jose!

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

"Vicinity" is not in the rule.
If there's no grass then you can envision where it would be, but if you do so be consistent. Might even be worth scribing one at the start of the game.

We don't have enough to do, now we line the field too?

Heck, I erase lines before the game starts. Dang white chalk from the catchers box always seems to get in my eyes and all over my clean shoes

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Might even be worth scribing one at the start of the game.

YGTBSM!!!

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.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Ditch "vicinity" - it's when he leaves the dirt circle. Saying "vicinity" validates the call in question and allows a discression not intended by rule.

GROUPthink is correct in LL rules.

What if it's an all dirt infield? Then it's umpire judgement as to where the "vicinity" of the circle would be.

Ex: legion ball using OBR rules.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by RSturgell

Home team at bat, bottom of 6, 2 outs and R3. Full count on B1. Pitch comes in batter swings and misses, catcher drops ball. B1 starts walking toward his 3rd base side dugout and gets 4 to 5 steps out of box. 3rd base coach is going crazy telling him to run to 1st. B1 then starts to 1st. I call B1 out and say the game is over because B1 had not attempted to run. Obviously coach is not happy and said I called the play to quick. When is the batter considered out in this situation when not attempting to run?
Oh yeah all of this in a 9u game being umpired by just yours truly. Fun times.

What does the rule book tell you when you looked it up?

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

What does the rule book tell you when you looked it up?

PERFECT response.