USSSA Umps

[default]

I thought the Umpiring was very good at B.C., but one ump's zone extended beyond the corners of the plate. The kids have to adjust to it and if the zone is consistent you can't complain too much.

 

[default]

Got a question for you. Dropped 3rd strike, runner hesitates not knowing it was a dropped strike. Coach yells run and she takes off. Ball actually deflected off catcher and was rolling down 1st base line, as runner leaves box, catcher actually dives into runners legs, they get tangled catcher comes up with ball and makes bad throw to 1st. Runner makes it to 1st safely but is called out for interference with catcher. Ump said she did not get out of way and let catcher make play. Keep in mind this was bang bang and there was absolutely no time or possible way for runner to get out of way. I say incidental contact and play on. What say everyone else?

Kind of an odd situation, but...

The catcher was not in the act of fielding a batted ball, so she does not have the right of way here. The runner does, so if anything it would be obstruction against the catcher. As described, all I would have is a runner safe at first base.

 

[default]

Bretman, funny you mention an umpire get crucified for making a correct call. We had a play in our game this weekend where the runner plowed my 2nd baseman while she was fielding a grounder. She recoverd and got the girl out at 1st. The umpire had called interference on the play so we had a double play. The first base coach argued for 10-15 minutes that the "base line" was the runner's and the fielder had to make room. After the inning was over he spent another 10 minutes "educating" the umpires on their mistake. Keep in mind this was a 60 minute drop dead game!!! It was surely entertaining.

This is an example of why I take coach's evaluations of umpires with a grain of salt...

When the runner hindered F4's fielding of a batted ball, interference was the correct call. That runner is out. And it is also an immediate dead ball!

Are you saying that after the interference, the fielder subsequently threw the ball to first and another out was recorded on the batter-runner? if so, then this is a HUGE mistake on the umpire's part! Once the ball becomes dead, no other plays can be made. The batter-runner should have been placed on first base.

But...despite the screw up, the call went your way, so I guess you were fine with it. The umpires made a really bad call, and yet you are holding them up as an example of "getting it right".

Hmmm...I wonder if you had known this rule, if you would have been arguing against that second out?