Game Management play - batter goes on ball 3

[MD Longhorn]

Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)

Umpires should not use the term game control as a tool for an umpire to be involved every situation occurring on the ball field. Game control should seldom, if never, be noticed: Example, if we have a batter-runner who starts to run to 1B thinking ball four has been awarded; the umpire should call “time” and bring the batter back to the plate. The same holds true with runners on 1B and 2B and the batter takes off for 1B thinking it is ball four causing runners to advance. To eliminate confusion for both the offense and the defense, the umpire should call “time.” An umpire with good game control who gives a loud “time” can prevent the chaos before it gets a chance to start.

Didn't we discuss this here, and eventually get someone from above to state this is not a true case play and is actually incorrect?

[jmkupka]

Hope so, because there's nothing in this situation that would make me call time.
I'd be watching for any play, and giving the count (3 balls, n strikes), loud enough for the batter to get the message.
Any "chaos" would probably come from DC if I denied his F2 the opportunity to make an out at 3rd. Or 2nd. Or wherever.

[xtremeump]

Where did you get the quote ? The Internet ;-) ASA Clone Umpires

[EsqUmp]

Anyone click on the link and notice the catcher committing obstruction?

[RKBUmp]

This pic? From that picture how could you definitevely say it is obstruction? There is no way of knowing where the plate is or each player is in relation to it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

This pic? From that picture how could you definitevely say it is obstruction? There is no way of knowing where the plate is or each player is in relation to it.

Agree. A still photo isn't enough to determine if this was obstruction....yet.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

This pic? From that picture how could you definitevely say it is obstruction? There is no way of knowing where the plate is or each player is in relation to it.

I don't like judging based on still photos but it is hard for me to fathom that not being obstruction.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Anyone click on the link and notice the catcher committing obstruction?

I clicked the link, and the page is showing another pic. Someone in OKC must be "listening".

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I clicked the link, and the page is showing another pic. Someone in OKC must be "listening".

It rotates through several pictures. I think I clicked on the link 4 times before that one came up.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)

Didn't we discuss this here, and eventually get someone from above to state this is not a true case play and is actually incorrect?

I'll disagree with this on a few points.

Too many umpires read something like this and take if as authority to just call time when s/he sees something like this occur. The umpire already has the authority and tools to put the batter back in the box and penalize if the player does not comply.

Problem is, what happens when this occurs and R2 is on their way to 3B when the umpire kills the play? If I'm the OC, that umpire is going to get an earful.

What happens when a coach gives you the heads up that they are going to try a trick play? I've occasionally heard umpires use "trickery" as a reason to nullify a play. There are no rules, nor should their be, to prevent a team from taking advantage of the other's inattention or laziness. Of course, I'm not referring to a fake tag or anything which brings safety into question.

I can understand calling time when a batter mistakenly heads toward 1B as a matter of expedience, but not after scanning the field and determining there is no other play unfolding at the time. My concern is that I don't think most umpires would take the time to check before arbitrarily suspending play.