Not a TWP

[mcrowder]

Had I read this yesterday, I would have considered it a TWP. But last night, this happened in a scrimmage / clinic (Two teams were playing a practice game, using relaxed substitution rules, and I was using the game as a mechanics clinic.)

Runner on 1st, clean single to right. R1 rounds second, takes about 4 steps, and crumples in a heap (no fielder was nearby - looked like she twisted something). Defense, meanwhile, throws the ball directly to pitcher. Shortstop, who was backing up the throw to pitcher walks back to her normal position, inside the basepath.

NO ONE notices the runner. After a couple of beats where no play is going to be made, and pitcher appears ready to pitch, wondering what the delay was, umpire calls time and places the runner (who was then tended to and replaced) at 2nd base.

Defensive coach, despite this being a friggin' practice, is screaming his head off that the runner should be out on LBR (only subsiding when I (who was not on the field at the time of the play) say quietly, "Please don't make us eject a coach in a practice game - this would not be a great way to start the season")

We left her on 2nd after the argument. Now - assume this is not a practice game. Do you put her back on 2nd? Or do you ring her up?

[WestMichBlue]

The defense had plenty of time to tag the downed runner. Once you called time the play is over and it is your decision as to where to place the runner.

And you have the authority (5.2.1.d) to kill the play in case of injury. I don't know the seriousness of the injury (HTBT) and maybe using this rule is a stretch, but - the defense had their chance!

BTW - What is TWP?

WMB

[mcrowder]

Third-World Play (something made up that would NEVER happen).

[Dakota]

Once it is clear the defense is indifferent, call time. Don't let LBR come into play. JMO.

[AtlUmpSteve]

ASA references, I can't agree. I would like to, but I can't. The POE states (as it always has) "The responsibility is completely on the runner. There is no obligation on the pitcher to look, fake, or throw." So, we can't suggest the defense had an opportunity and rejected it; they had no such obligation.

I also question the use of the injured player rule. Frankly, unless you called "Dead ball" immediately when the player went down, you can't now claim you feel like there was a need for immediate attention (which is the exception to keeping the play live). I feel you must invoke 10-8.G, :In case of injury, time will not be called until all plays in progress have been completed or each runner has been held at his base."

Rec or league ball, go ahead and make the PC call; in championship play, we have a LBR out.

[whiskers_ump]

Agree with the "Call Times" responses...Defense had plenty
of time to tag the runner. However, not knowing the type
of injury that had occured with the runner, and her, nor
apparently anyone else doing anything immediately, I would
have called time, and as Tom said, not allow LBR to come into
effect. The defense did not elect to make a play on injuried
player, then thats their bad.
JMHO

[whiskers_ump]

To carry further my original response,
We, as umpires, have given neither team an advantage as
I see it. Defense had the opportunity for the out, and
now we should not put the offense at a disadvantage by
placing the LBR into effect with an injuried player lying
on the ground.