Batter runs to first, but is still up

quote:

Originally posted by Tom DA:
Had a kid who with 1 ball and 2 strikes ran to first. The runner on first sees the batter coming and takes off to second. The question is if the batter touches first base is he out? If he is not then is the play dead and the runner has to return to first base? Any help?

Why would the batter/runner be out. What did the defense do to earn that?

Return Batter/Runner to the plate. HOWEVER, R1 gets to stay at second...stolen base. Defense was obviously asleep.

Wow. Depending on the level........
12 and below. Kill everything by yelling at the batter "where you going batter? only 2 strikes."
JV, Middle School, CYO. Yell to the batter/runner that there's only 2 strikes. That should stop him but in no event can he be called out. Runner on first is at Jeopardy and can be put out if he leaves the base. We umpires can not assume R1 is NOT stealing.
High School, Legion and above. Just say "Strike 2". R1 is still in Jeopardy if he leaves the base but Batter/runner cannot be called out but should for stupidity if the plate umpire is doing his job. Having said that.....

The umpire better be vocalizing and showing the count so EVERYONE can hear and see. Otherwise, if I were coach and R1 is thrown out then the umpire and I have a real problem.

quote:

Originally posted by therefump:

The umpire better be vocalizing and showing the count so EVERYONE can hear and see. Otherwise, if I were coach and R1 is thrown out then the umpire and I have a real problem.

It's always great when the count is given frequently, but, bottom line, the teams are responsible to be aware of the game situation. Any coach who wants to hold an umpire responsible for his own failure to keep track of the situation should get a head start to the bus.

Posted in a previous thread, was the fact that FED allows a strike to be added to a batter who steps out and delays the game. So if this is a HS game, he could be out by adding strike three for delaying the game.

I think you would kill the play when this was enforced.

Personally, I think everybody should know the count \ situation. Its appropriate to yell 'Strike Two' and let it play out. I also agree with killing it at the younger age groups.

How many times have you seen the batter take off for first base with a dropped third strike, less than two outs and first base occupied just to see if the defense is stupid enough to start throwing it around? Girls softball does this so often its nauseating... and it continues to work, making it even worse.

quote:

It's always great when the count is given frequently, but, bottom line, the teams are responsible to be aware of the game situation. Any coach who wants to hold an umpire responsible for his own failure to keep track of the situation should get a head start to the bus.

Totally agree with the thought that the players/coaches should KNOW the count. My reasoning for explaining by level is more for the coaches sake than the kids. A batter is under extreme pressure and can easily forget the count. I ALWAYS give the count when a batter/catcher asks.....I've had partners whine about that but they are typically there for the fee rather than the game. Coaches are another matter. If you read the rulebook and casebook we're there to give the pitcher and batter the count. I NEVER turn to the coach on first/third and flash him the count unless I've got time to do it. There's nothing more annoying than a 3rd base coach asking for the count as the pitcher gets ready to deliver. I ignore the coach..............................sorry for the rant about the coach.

Thank you all. This is in fact what happened, except R1 decided to come back to first for some reason and the pitcher over threw the second baseman in a run down and R1 wound up at third. The batter went back to bat. This is an 11 & 12 year old city league.