When does player officially leave the game

[strike4]

Thanks for all the input. I let the player re-enter the game. When I got home and was thinking about the game, I realized that I may have been in wrong.

It is good to have these type discussions so we will be able to explain our decision to a coach when asked.

If we learn from our mistakes, and the mistakes of others, we will be better umpires in the future.

[Dakota]

The following paragraph from the ASA RS 48 might help clarify the "why when there is no advantage" discussion:

The purpose of this rule is to allow all players on a team to play without fear of injury or illness that previously created forfeitures. Playing shorthanded is not a strategic option for a coach.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by strike4

If we learn from our mistakes, and the mistakes of others, we will be better umpires in the future.

I agree with that up to a point.

And that point is that if that were truly the case, then I should be a pretty damn awesome umpire by now!

Just kidding, your statement is very true.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I agree with that up to a point.

And that point is that if that were truly the case, then I should be a pretty damn awesome umpire by now!

Just kidding, your statement is very true.

Actually, you are correct (as in the "up to a point" remark).

We only learn when we realize there may have been an error on our behalf and strive to confirm and make the proper correction.

I'm sure we have all run into Ol' Smitty that has been doing it the same way for more than a hundred years. Got his start doing sandlot ball for Connie Mack and is so good, never needed to attend a clinic or school. After all, with all his years, how in the world could those young whippersnappers know anything more than Ol' Smitty?

The only thing that encourages me more than a young umpire getting a tough call right on the field is seeing that umpire getting back to his/her car and pulling out the rule book to confirm their call was correct or finding out what they did wrong. That type of umpire will rarely, if ever, make the same mistake twice.

[NCASAUmp]

That's why the first word in that sentence is, perhaps, the most crucial.

If.

[JefferMC]

For anyone who still needs one, I can think of an advantage to be gained...

Say it's 105 degrees in the shade. Your pitcher (or catcher, or...) is looking a little woozy from the heat. Sitting her down to cool off when the other team can't/won't/didn't for their respective player would be an advantage. You can cool off a lot better on the bench where you've got ice than standing out in left field.