Dead ball question

[kfrisbee]

R1 on third, first pitch is fouled to the ground behind catcher - dead ball. Catcher retreives ball and overthrows pitcher...

Is the play still dead and can the runner advance at her own risk?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by kfrisbee

R1 on third, first pitch is fouled to the ground behind catcher - dead ball. Catcher retreives ball and overthrows pitcher...

Is the play still dead and can the runner advance at her own risk?

The runner "can" advance as far as she likes, but there is no risk. When she is done, I'm just sending her back to 3rd since the ball is dead.

[kfrisbee]

Thanks Irish. As a first year coach, it is good when I learn something new.

In this case, the ball is dead until the pitcher has the ball and is ready to take her signal, correct?

[Dutch Alex]

Originally Posted by kfrisbee

In this case, the ball is dead until the pitcher has the ball and is ready to take her signal, correct?

Almost...

PU has to give the pitcher the signal "Play ball". At that point the pitcher is allowed to start the pitch and is the game not "dead" anymore.

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by Dutch Alex

Almost...

PU has to give the pitcher the signal "Play ball".

How many of us (umpires) give a play ball signal after a foul ball??? IMO, once the pitcher has the ball in the circle again and steps onto the pitcher's plate we are good to go.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

How many of us (umpires) give a play ball signal after a foul ball??? IMO, once the pitcher has the ball in the circle again and steps onto the pitcher's plate we are good to go.

With runners I will, with the bases empty I don't. The runners can't be put out until the ball is live.

[Dutch Alex]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

How many of us (umpires) give a play ball signal after a foul ball??? IMO, once the pitcher has the ball in the circle again and steps onto the pitcher's plate we are good to go.

Here in the dutch top-softball, over 70% of the umpires do give the signal. It's the way we are educated and the way of the ESF (european softball fed.). Don't know how many in the US use the play ball signal; the ump's from the US I've worked with (as Larry White) do also use it...

Even the US-pitchers playing here in the Neth.'s wait for the umpire to give the signal...