Here is a new one I saw this weekend. In a 12u game, there is a runner on 3B with no outs. Batter walks and as she approaches 1B, the 1B Coach gives her the continuous walk sign, so she hits the bag and heads for 2B.
Meanwhile the team in the field has called a play. Their 1B moves into the pitching circle and the Catcher throws the ball to the Pitcher. But the 1B player and P do some quick glove work and P fakes giving the ball to the 1B. Basically a hidden ball trick. 1B Player turns and starts to run towards the batter/runner that is heading for 2B. She does a few fake throws as she is bearing down on the batter/runner. Neither the 1B coach nor the batter/runner notice that she doesn't really have the ball, so the coach is barking out instructions and the runner is confused and does several stops and starts. The Pitcher with the ball is of course just standing still in the circle. The runner eventually heads back to 1B and stays there.
During all this, the 3B coach gets the runner there moving also, and she takes a few steps off 3B, before he calls her back. I think he sees that the 1B player really doesn't have the ball.
When this all ends, the team in the field wants an out called for a look-back violation. The 2 umpires confer and call nothing so the runners were safe at 1B and 3B.
I give the coach of the team in the field an "A" for creativity but an "F" in sportsmanship.
Any thoughts on if the umpires got this right?
Meanwhile the team in the field has called a play. Their 1B moves into the pitching circle and the Catcher throws the ball to the Pitcher. But the 1B player and P do some quick glove work and P fakes giving the ball to the 1B. Basically a hidden ball trick. 1B Player turns and starts to run towards the batter/runner that is heading for 2B. She does a few fake throws as she is bearing down on the batter/runner. Neither the 1B coach nor the batter/runner notice that she doesn't really have the ball, so the coach is barking out instructions and the runner is confused and does several stops and starts. The Pitcher with the ball is of course just standing still in the circle. The runner eventually heads back to 1B and stays there.
During all this, the 3B coach gets the runner there moving also, and she takes a few steps off 3B, before he calls her back. I think he sees that the 1B player really doesn't have the ball.
When this all ends, the team in the field wants an out called for a look-back violation. The 2 umpires confer and call nothing so the runners were safe at 1B and 3B.
I give the coach of the team in the field an "A" for creativity but an "F" in sportsmanship.
Any thoughts on if the umpires got this right?