what would you call?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by mandotheman

Here is the situation...Jr high level...I was asked this from another umpire..

R3 is stealing on the pitch (sqeeze play)..the catcher takes position infront of the plate before the pitch crosses the plate ( never giving the batter a chance at the ball), R3 scores due to the catcher dropping the ball....what would you call...I already got different answers from other umpires...

Catcher's obstruction (FED), Batter to 1B, R3 scores.

[mandotheman]

I also have catchers balk as well....runner scores and the batter remains at bat...
You can say catchers obstuction, but then you would penalize the defense twice...runner scores and now the batter goes to 1st?

[dash_riprock]

No balk under HS rules.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

No balk under HS rules.

Really, Gracie??

[umpjim]

Calling a balk because the catcher left the front of the box on this would be a stretch. The catcher can leave the box at TOP so more than likely he was in the box. CO is the correct rule to apply here.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Calling a balk because the catcher left the front of the box on this would be a stretch. The catcher can leave the box at TOP so more than likely he was in the box. CO is the correct rule to apply here.

Except for FED, it's a balk because the rule says it's a balk.

[MD Longhorn]

Don't we have both? A "catcher's balk" and obstruction by the catcher?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Really, Gracie??

8-1-1-e-1 plus the definition of squeeze

On CO only runners attempting to advance (inncluding on a squeeze) are advanced. Others only advance if forced.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Catcher's obstruction (FED), Batter to 1B, R3 scores.

Agree!

That's obstruction, and due to the fact R3 was stealing on the obstruction, score 1, batter gets 1.

In response to mandotheman, you are not penalizing the defense twice. The defense erred on a possible squeeze play. By not penalizing the obstruction on the possibilities of an offensive advantage, you actually penalize the offense.