USA vs. Japan game ends on LBR violation

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Is it possible that the fact the runner didn't actually TURN toward the base to return may have confused the issue?

If the umpire is easily confused.

It looks like I am in the minority, but I think the call was correct. I recorded the game and watched it several times. The ball was in the circle and the runner stood for two full seconds before moving toward the base. I don’t know about ISF but in ASA ISA and FED, the rule states the runner must be moving immediately when the ball is returned to the circle. I give the runner about two seconds and it appeared the Umpire making the call did the same. There is no mention of how far the runner is off the base. As far as ending the game this way it was unfortunate, however, if you will call it in the first inning you should call it in the final inning. The call earlier in the game when the runner was called out for leaving early at first base was more border line than this one.

[Harshblue]

Like a lot of rules you can apply them as in the rule book or rule them as the INTENT the rule was written .
This is one of them .
The intent is to stop the cat and mouse between pitcher and runner , in this case it was not happening , the runner was returning to the base .
A classic example is if you rule a batter out for bunting on the 3rd strike .
Follow your definitions and see what you come up with and there are many more .
This was a bad call and as worse than the one last year when the Australian runner was ruled out for removing her helmet on base when there was no play .
Umpires should not get into the game this way , there was just no need .

You are correct this is the intent of the rule is to stop the cat and mouse between pitcher and runner. But you say in this case it was not happening. I don't know I can't read the runner's mind. The runner was standing there, Cat was not having anything to do with it turned and walked into the circle. The runner was returning to the base but not until standing still for two second after the ball was inside the circle.

The rule book states the runner must move immediately, This puts the judgment on the umpire. I feel two seconds is time enough to find the ball and start moving back or forward to a base. Your judgment may be three seconds, or maybe five or maybe stand there until you decided the runner is playing cat and mouse. If that is your judgment that is fine. I just don't call it that way.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by softball_junky

I don't know I can't read the runner's mind.

Weak "excuse" for not making a call or not being able to determine intent.

[Mountaineer]

I went back and watched it again and I don't see it - she's clearly retreating to the base when the PU calls her out. Wrong call - period.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I went back and watched it again and I don't see it - she's clearly retreating to the base when the PU calls her out. Wrong call - period.

Instead of looking at when the PU made the call, look at when the ball was back in the circle. How long after that before the runner moved? I can imagine the reason for the delay in the call ("Did I just see what I saw????"). At least I can see me hesitating on the call...

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I went back and watched it again and I don't see it - she's clearly retreating to the base when the PU calls her out. Wrong call - period.

Clearly retreating WHEN the PU calls the out is irrelevant, don't you think? Aren't most baserunners past first base when you call the out? What matters is the umpire on the spot's perception of "immediately". I agree it was borderline, but I think one could make just as good an argument FOR this particular call as against it, and this thread could have been about how they missed an LBR in such a big game had she not called it.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Weak "excuse" for not making a call or not being able to determine intent.

All I am saying is I don't know why the runner is standing there and don't care. I do know the runner has a a time period when she is required to start moving.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by softball_junky

All I am saying is I don't know why the runner is standing there and don't care. I do know the runner has a a time period when she is required to start moving.

And that time period would be ...

My rule book says immediately. Many officials will give a silent count of "one thousand one..." but that is not cast in stone.