Drop third strike with two outs.

[NorthAlaUmp]

Okay, I took SC Ump's idea and looked through the Case Book. 8.1.1, Situation A, addresses my earlier post with the statement that B/R should be declared out "if she entered dead-ball territory." I'll buy that ruling, but still take exception to writing a rule using a term (team area) that is not specifically defined when it could easily be done.

Y'all will have to excuse my legal training spilling over. If you have something specifically defined (dugout/bench), then use a different term (team area), it could mean something different. (In legal terms it's called "strict construction" and any ambiguity is construed most strictly against the person who drafted the provision.) If you don't want confusion, you use words that have been defined. Why don't they remove ambiguity by saying the B/R is out if she enters the dugout/bench, or at least include "team area" in the definition of dugout/bench? Just seems like sloppy rules writing to me.

Also, back to the orignal post by SC Ump, that same play in the case book says B/R would be out if "the half-inning ended because all infielders left the diamond." SC Ump, you said that the defense left the field. Did all the infielders leave the diamond before the B/R made 1st? If so, she should have been called out. This would also cover your hypotheticals: even though she never left live ball territory by going into the dugout/bench, she should have been declared out once the defense leaves the field. Call this "abandoning" her right to reach 1st or whatever you will, her chance expired with the end of the half-inning.

[WestMichBlue]

"If you have something specifically defined (dugout/bench), then use a different term (team area),it could mean something different."

Actually I think that "team area" is more definitive than the many words (dugout, bench, etc.) required to describe the various "areas reserved for team personnel engaged in the game" (NFHS) or "area designated for players, caches, batboys, and official representatives of the team." (ASA)

I've called HS games at a playground field with just a backstop where the team sat on wood planks on concrete bases back under the big oak tree. (Of course the visitor's "bench" was out in the sun!)

WMB

[NorthAlaUmp]

Originally posted by WestMichBlue

Of course the visitor's "bench" was out in the sun!

WMB
[/B]

Of course. Just like the visitor's side of a football field has a steeper incline to the middle of the field. Every little advantage you can get!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by slowballbaker
This may sound crazy to the umpires, but a delay in the game should be in order..If anytime during the game that the players delay the game, the umpire can call them out or start calling strikes...So why not in this case...Delay in the game on the batter?????

Because they are no longer the batter.