Thoughts on a Look-Back Rule case

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

That being said (Cecil's and Agr8's comments), my situation this weekend was, me in "C", R1 on 2B, her ready position had her rear foot on the bag.
In order to get a look at F2's signal, R1 leaned forward, bringing her rear foot waaay up off the bag, then back down. No early lead, no toying with F1.

What say you in that sit?

My personal opinion on this. I am calling an out. Why? Her actions, of leaning with her foot off the base would appear to be an attempt to gain an advantage.

The rules require a batter to maintain contact with the base until the ball is released from the pitchers hand. This portion of the rule is specifically designed to prevent a runner from gaining an advantage. By leaning with her foot off the base, even though it might have been above the base was done with the apparent intent to gain an advantage, thus an out call.

I find this different than a player who, well on the base does a little hop to switch feet, but maintains and otherwise stationary position, or a player who while getting into position, loses contact slightly with the side of the base, as players often do. I need to see them trying to gain some sort of advantage, which stealing the signs is.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

...I need to see them trying to gain some sort of advantage, ...

Why?

I look at it differently. If the player is only "technically" losing contact (i.e. shifting feet, etc.) then I ignore it. I don't make "gotcha" calls.

OTOH, if she is cluelessly standing off to the side of the bag with no real attempt to make contact, the I'll make that call.

Requiring a standard of "advantage gained" is too narrow, and probably too inconsistent situation to situation (and, too "basketball-like" )

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Why?

I look at it differently. If the player is only "technically" losing contact (i.e. shifting feet, etc.) then I ignore it. I don't make "gotcha" calls.

OTOH, if she is cluelessly standing off to the side of the bag with no real attempt to make contact, the I'll make that call.

Requiring a standard of "advantage gained" is too narrow, and probably too inconsistent situation to situation (and, too "basketball-like" )

At the same time you say gaining an advantage is too narrow, you will still employee a similar situation if she "technically" loses contact switching feet, ect.

Every official, like it or not, uses advantage disadvantage in making at least some calls. If we are so technical that we follow the exact wording of the rules, we are making gotcha calls on plays like this.

Remember the job of the official is to implement the rules in a fair and equitable manner, not to play judge jury and executioner.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

At the same time you say gaining an advantage is too narrow, you will still employee a similar situation if she "technically" loses contact switching feet, ect. ...

Yes, at the same time. Because they are different standards.