Repeated "Dropped Second Strike" Activity by Coach?
 

Saw a game recently where one team's 1B coach repeatedly would yell at his batters to run to 1B on a dropped SECOND strike with runners on base, obviously hoping F2 would be confused about the count and attempt to throw her out at 1B, allowing his runners to advance or score. This is a league of small private schools with teams typically including 5th through 8th graders.

Obviously F2 has a burden to keep track of the count, and a throw to 1B on a dropped second strike is a DMC, but is the burden strictly placed on F2 or is there a point at which the coach would receive a warning or other action by the ump for verbal interference (or something else)?

I think a case can be made that this is unsportsmanlike behavior after a 2nd instance. I don't think immediate ejection is the right solution, but if he's teaching this and doing it on purpose, it's not a "play" (as he will undoubtedly tell you), it's unsportsmanlike. Cut it out or hear about the game on the radio.

"Coach, you may not instruct your batter to delay the game."

Next time, the parking lot.

Ace

Batter is out of the box for 10 seconds? I've got a strike the second time it happens - isn't that strike 3?

What's a DMC ?
Thanks.

DMC = Dumb Move Catcher

Paul

Thanks, Paul.

If these so-called 'coaches' would learn how to teach the game to their players, instead of pulling these childish moves, the world of youth sports would be vastly improved.

Bob

Amen

BlueZebra:

I agree, as well. There is a coach in my area who, when serving as the head coach for a team, believes if you can't beat 'em, confuse the heck out of them. Small wonder he hasn't last long in his last couple of head coaching stints. :D