PU Hold while BU(s) position or Both back in simulataneously

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

It IS relevant to the conversation as the elimination of the rule WOULD make this thread and subsequent discussion obsolete.

I disagree. The discussion is how we handle returning to our positions, not how we should do it if the rules were different.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

We enforce the rules in place. I'm pretty sure I've got that one down after 43 years of umpiring.

I wasn't being a SA, just commenting on why I thought it wasn't relevant.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

As noted by people other than myself, this rule was not meant to be "used" by anyone other than the umpire.

When the rule is violated, people know and expect us to enforce it. They don't sit back and say, "That's an obsolete rule anyway, I don't want you to call my opponent out."

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Maybe for the same reason that until a couple years ago, the rules did not allow a batter to attempt to advance to 1B on an U3K with two outs and 1B unoccupied.

Maybe for the same reason that ASA rules do not address a fair batted ball which lands (hits the ground) and deflects off a fielder and leaves play in fair territory.

People are apathetic and often just accept the status quo whether it makes sense or not.

That's definitely true!

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The ball is "live", not alive.

Brain cramp! Sometimes I type faster than I think.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

But because of this rule, nothing can happen. Runners cannot leave the base, so there is no reason to throw the ball, the ball cannot be pitched or hit, so what is so "live" about the ball other than to get umpires to argue over who said what about who is watching whom first and whether "backing" into position is acceptable at any level of the game!

I disagree that nothing can happen. I would agree that nothing 'should' happen. But, as Rachel pointed out, things do happen. Pitchers walk out of the circle. Pitchers put the ball on the ground to fix their hair without having time called. Runners step off bases. Things definitely do happen.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

I disagree that nothing can happen. I would agree that nothing 'should' happen. But, as Rachel pointed out, things do happen. Pitchers walk out of the circle. Pitchers put the ball on the ground to fix their hair without having time called. Runners step off bases. Things definitely do happen.

And a meteor could fall on the pitcher!!! Can the runner advance if she drops the ball with a 200 ton rock sitting on her head?

The runners cannot advance, so who gives a **** if they come off the base?

The rule was not meant to be a cheap out or part of a strategy. I certainly hope you are not fearful FP umpires are not able to handle the situation as SP umpires have been doing for decades.

[ronald]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The rule was not meant to be a cheap out or part of a strategy. I certainly hope you are not fearful FP umpires are not able to handle the situation as SP umpires have been doing for decades.

What is its meaning? Serious question as have never heard why it is there.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ronald

What is its meaning? Serious question as have never heard why it is there.

From ASA:

Many years ago the Look Back Rule was established to help speed-up the game by stopping the pitcher and the runner from “toying” with each other when the ball was being returned to the infield after it had been put in play. The rule was not established for the offense or defense to gain an advantage through “trick plays” or by “baiting” the other side into a violation.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And a meteor could fall on the pitcher!!! Can the runner advance if she drops the ball with a 200 ton rock sitting on her head?

Wouldn't that be a block ball?

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The runners cannot advance, so who gives a **** if they come off the base?

They can advance, they just can't advance legally.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The rule was not meant to be a cheap out or part of a strategy. I certainly hope you are not fearful FP umpires are not able to handle the situation as SP umpires have been doing for decades.

My fear is that SP umpires won't call outs when they get drafted to work bases on my field and the LBR is violated.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

Wouldn't that be a block ball?

Only if the ball was still in her hand, but that means the LBR would still be in effect. So, when R1 leaves the base to help the pitcher, make sure you call her out before dialing 9-1-1.

They can advance, they just can't advance legally.

No, because the moment they step off the base they are out, if you are doing your job and enforcing the rules which are presently in place.

My fear is that SP umpires won't call outs when they get drafted to work bases on my field and the LBR is violated.

You better watch out for the local Constable as s/he is sure to ticket you as it is becoming more obvious that much is going over your head and probably littering the countryside.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Only if the ball was still in her hand, but that means the LBR would still be in effect. So, when R1 leaves the base to help the pitcher, make sure you call her out before dialing 9-1-1.

No doubt!

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, because the moment they step off the base they are out, if you are doing your job and enforcing the rules which are presently in place.

Only if all of the umpires didn't turn their heads and miss the pitcher drop the ball.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You better watch out for the local Constable as s/he is sure to ticket you as it is becoming more obvious that much is going over your head and probably littering the countryside.

Not going over my head, hitting me directly up side the head.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

Not going over my head, hitting me directly up side the head.

What I'm finding strange to understand is why any umpire would have a problem with a change that would not only allow the game to proceed in a smoother and more expedient manner , but also permit the umpire an extra second or two to take a breath between plays.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What I'm finding strange to understand is why any umpire would have a problem with a change that would not only allow the game to proceed in a smoother and more expedient manner , but also permit the umpire an extra second or two to take a breath between plays.

No problem here. I welcome that change. Until it happens, we have to deal with it the way it is.

I loathe bird dogging runners to make sure they are complying with the rules. But if I don't do it, I'm going to miss a violation of the rules and get my butt chewed for missing it.

Don't like that either.

[Rachel]

What I get tired of is how most of the threads on this board end up being snarky back & forth exchanges with Mike. College fastpitch is not and never will be slowpitch. I used to read this board and learn, now I just get annoyed.

The pitcher walks out of the circle and the alert base runner takes off for 2nd the runner from 3rd scores on the throw. It's part of the game. Doesn't happen often but it can.