Steal of home (Video)

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by barkmo

I saw the Texas Tech vs Texas game yesterday where the Tech batter scored on a straight steal of home.

Sit. R3 , 2 outs, 2 strikes on batter. Pitcher in windup, R3 off with first motion. As he nears plate B stays put (no swing), and catcher comes in front of plate to catch pitch. R3 slides in clearly safe. Question: 1. What if pitch were a strike (pitch in question appeared to be outside. 2. What if batter swings.?

What was the call in that game? Last year the possibility of calling CI existed in two college games and was no called. I think one was a steal of home and the other was the Vandy triple steal.

[CoachTex]

Originally Posted by umpjim

What was the call in that game? Last year the possibility of calling CI existed in two college games and was no called. I think one was a steal of home and the other was the Vandy triple steal.

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiCg...ature=youtu.be



Umpire called runner safe and the pitch a ball.

Should have been a balk and award batter 1B for catcher's obstruction.

[dash_riprock]

For sure that will be one of the videos presented at next year's NCAA pre-season clinics.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

For sure that will be one of the videos presented at next year's NCAA pre-season clinics.

I doubt it. Last years sits were left alone. I think when the runner is safe the NCAA guys leave it alone. Last years calls were argued on another site and since the batter wasn't swinging some big dogs argued against calling CI.

[LRZ]

Originally Posted by umpjim

[snip]since the batter wasn't swinging some big dogs argued against calling CI.

Must be an "old school" thing. Years ago, when I first learned to umpire, I was taught by a Kinnaman School graduate, who said that without contact, you have nothing, so batters were taught to swing (gently, he hoped) and make contact with the catcher.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I doubt it. Last years sits were left alone. I think when the runner is safe the NCAA guys leave it alone. Last years calls were argued on another site and since the batter wasn't swinging some big dogs argued against calling CI.

They're wrong. NCAA interpretation says this is a balk and CI.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Matt

They're wrong. NCAA interpretation says this is a balk and CI.

NCAA umpires are not calling it.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by umpjim

NCAA umpires are not calling it.

Here's the rule. I bolded parts that you can use to call or not call the CI:

"e. If any defensive player interferes with the batter’s swing or prevents the
individual from striking at a pitched ball;
A.R.—Catcher’s interference on a batter should be called only on the batter’s actual swing to hit the pitch. If a batter, during preliminary loosening-up swings, hits the catcher or the catcher’s mitt during the backswing, the umpire immediately should call time, and not interference. The pitch or swing should not be allowed since the batter’s concentration or rhythm could be affected.
(1) If a play follows the interference, the offensive team may elect to ignore
the interference and accept the play. However, if the batter reaches first
base and all other runners advance at least one base, the interference is
ignored.
(2) Any runner attempting to steal on a catcher’s interference with the
batter’s swing shall be awarded the base the runner is attempting to reach
If a runner is not attempting to steal on the catcher’s interference, the
individual is not entitled to the next base, if not forced to advance because
of the batter being awarded first base.
Exception—If there is catcher’s interference on a squeeze play, the batter
is awarded first base, the run scores and all other runners advance one base on the balk created by the interference.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by umpjim

NCAA umpires are not calling it.

This NCAA umpire does if he sees it.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

For sure that will be one of the videos presented at next year's NCAA pre-season clinics.

I agree, but likely not for the same reason.

A steal of home to tie up a rivalry game in the ninth generates great excitement, and I'll bet you a buck the NCAA facilitators will focus not on the missed call, but will instead reinforce the need for umpires to keep the players on the bench/warning track during live ball action.

I like how the ball boy ignored the celebration and just took care of his business of getting the plate umpire's supply replenished.