Ground rules question

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by bluehair

I don't wait until all runners have circled the bases. When I see outfielders indicate that the ball has gone out of play, I try to make eye contact with my partner, point that I'm going out, run to where I can see (or not see the ball) and call time, if the ball is OOP (signal safe, if in play...never had one of those).

I guess that is your style however, what difference does it make when you go out?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by jicecone

I guess that is your style however, what difference does it make when you go out?

If it happens quickly enough, and you judge that the ball is still in play, maybe the defense can hold the batter to a triple.

In most situations involving HS or college players and older (slower than the players) umpires, the batter will have circled the bases by the time the umpire can see the ball still in play and the fielder can throw the ball back in.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If it happens quickly enough, and you judge that the ball is still in play, maybe the defense can hold the batter to a triple.

In most situations involving HS or college players and older (slower than the players) umpires, the batter will have circled the bases by the time the umpire can see the ball still in play and the fielder can throw the ball back in.

If I were a betting man, I would guess this would be possible 1 out of maybe 50-60 times. The ball is hit to the fence and the fielder raises his hands. The BU then reacts and heads for the outfield (lets say 200 ft away) and has to get close enough to make a good decision, then the OF has to reacte and get the ball to the infield. Hmmm, now that I have replayed it in my mind........

I will change those odds to 1 out of a 100. Not realistic.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If it happens quickly enough, and you judge that the ball is still in play, maybe the defense can hold the batter to a triple.

Nah. If the fielder throws his hands up and it turns out the ball stayed in play, then he deserves not having the opportunity to get the ball back in and holding the batter at third.

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Most of the time the reasons that there is discussions after the play has taken place , it is because it was not made "clear" at the pre-game.

I can't imagine a game time discussion on this matter being any more than a coach that just gave up runs whining. And do you really think that any coach is going to leave your plate meeting and pass on your communication directions to his outfielders.

Originally Posted by jicecone

I guess that is your style however, what difference does it make when you go out?

Batter hits one to the fence, outfielder thinks that ball is OOP, I decide whether ball is in play or not, ASAP. I don't have to assume that the fielder is trying to pull a fast one. If he is, then I may not give the indication as quickly as I might otherwise.

Originally Posted by jicecone

If I were a betting man, I would guess this would be possible 1 out of maybe 50-60 times. The ball is hit to the fence and the fielder raises his hands. The BU then reacts and heads for the outfield (lets say 200 ft away) and has to get close enough to make a good decision, then the OF has to reacte and get the ball to the infield. Hmmm, now that I have replayed it in my mind........

I will change those odds to 1 out of a 100. Not realistic.

Surely I am not the only 1.

[jicecone]

Hey, if it works for your games thats cool!

Next year when we all get to MLB and work the parks that they don't have to worry about this crap, we can sit around after the game and laugh about these discussions over a beer.

Enjoy the Season.