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Had two situations this weekend and curious about call.  I think umpires got call right but not sure.

#1 - Pitcher pitches ball and runner at 1st tries to steal.  Ball gets by catcher and goes out of play past back stop.  Runner awarded 2nd base only.  Opposing coach argues he should have been awarded 3rd base.  My argument was that the stolen base was not assumed and he should only get 2nd base.  Umpires only awarded second base.

 

#2 - Next game, my batter draws a 4 pitch walk but ball four, again, gets past catcher and goes out of play.  Umpires award second base because 1st base was already awarded due to walk.  So walk plus one base so second base.  

Of course, coach flipped a little but I agree with both situations.  I also said that since the back stop was so close and "bad" then balls out of play need to be addressed more in ground rules before games start.

Thoughts?  Thanks

Eric

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Both of your situations involve "time of the pitch" rule applications.

Time of the Pitch:

Windup Position-TOOP occurs when the pitcher has commits himself to deliver the pitch to the batter.

Set Position-TOOP occurs the instant the pitcher, after coming to a complete and discernible stop, starts any movement with his arms and legs. 

 

Situation 1. "At the time of the pitch" the runners  legally held base was 1st. On a Pitched Ball out of play the award is one base. To have been awarded 3rd the runner would have had to have legally obtained second base before the time of the pitch.  Umpires correct.

Situation 2. Must not be a NFHS game. NO need for pitches any more on an intentional walk. But ......the dead ball award does not piggy-back on result of the play.........Batter gets first only.  Umpires  Incorrect.

Last edited by piaa_ump
ewchris2 posted:
  I also said that since the back stop was so close and "bad" then balls out of play need to be addressed more in ground rules before games start.

Thoughts?  Thanks

 

I agree with PIAA ump.  And, I would like to get more information on the backstop that you think needs to be addressed. 

 

If the ball went under, or lodged in, the backstop, there's nothing to discuss.  IT's out of play, and the rules take over.

If it went past the edges of the backstop, and it's not an enclosed field, then you could draw some (real or imaginary) line back at an angle to perhaps make more area "in play."  But, once the ball passes that line, then it's out of play and the rules take over.

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