My tournament this past three days included Walter Sparks' DD's
team. We had a couple of good chats. He told me that NFHS
will change over to ASA's version of the OBS rule next year.
I called two illegal pitches on his DD's team. His DD was not
the pitcher at the time. His DD's team went through the tournament
undefeated. I called, as it worked out, all but one of their
games. He told me that there was one thing I do that he really
likes. When pitcher is getting sign and then Batter decides
to step out, I have always given them 5 - 10 seconds, then announce
"OK, ladies, lets reset, and play." If there were prior pitches
I announce the count immediately following putting the ball in
play. He had no negative comments on any of my games and was there
for three of them. Two plates and one base.

Walter who??? And ypu called 2 illegal pitches on his team; weren't you a-scared? :D J/K

Congratulations on a good tournament,
SamC

I haven't done asa so what is the obs rule we are talking about?

SamC.

I was not aware of his presence until the Marshall coach gave
me a batting order change. She was sub'ing a hitter for #2 and
when I made the change I noticed the name. I had called games
for Marshall last year in this same tournament, but it had not
registered at that time. After making the change I looked around
and there sat he and Mrs. Sparks. He spoke, then between games
we had a brief chat on different changes for NFHS. Did have
an incident happend later in the game that probably caught his
attention, but he was polite and did not elaborate on it during
our next conversation. I will post that later.

Refjef40,

basically the same obs rule except that ASA removed the phrase "about to receive" from their version of the rule. It doesn't surprize me that the FED is following suit next year.

glen,

I can't wait to hear your story.

SamC