Protest verbage

A protest can only be about the misapplication of a rule (not a judgment call). The protest should state what the umpire did (the decision he made) that was contrary to the rules. It should also note the point in the game where the alleged error occurred (outs, count, men on, batter, etc.). The umpire should sign the protest attesting to the facts stated by the protesting manager.

so basically "I respectfully protest this game on the misapplication of rule X"...and then continue on with the game?.

Yes. Tell the umpire you are playing the game under protest. The protest should be written up and signed by the umpire before play resumes.

I kind of like the "Look here you @*&!%, if you open your &*^%#ing eyes you would have seen that! You suck!!!!" approach. Makes the game more exciting.



just kidding.

I usually tell coaches to talk to the umpire and see what he called and why. If you still think he has misapplied the rule then explain your understanding of it. If you still disagree then tell him you want to protest. As already mentioned follow the procedure of marking the book so you know inning, outs and runner positions. I have on numerous occasions asked the coach if he would like to protest. I have only had one go to protest anbd he lost, but he learned something. My point is always somebody is going to learn something. either the coach or the umpire. To me there is no downside.
Do you have a particular play that you would like advice on?

No particular play...it just seems we've had a rash of gross rule miapplications. We are entering 9/10 PONY playoffs where OBR applies. As you know, stealing is rampant. I would like to test Rule 8.05 "throwing to unoccupied base to make a play" but wonder if our umps will know the rule. Do you think it wise to approach the BU before the game starts to see how they'd rule?

thanks

quote:

Originally posted by drfanman:
No particular play...it just seems we've had a rash of gross rule miapplications. We are entering 9/10 PONY playoffs where OBR applies. As you know, stealing is rampant. I would like to test Rule 8.05 "throwing to unoccupied base to make a play" but wonder if our umps will know the rule. Do you think it wise to approach the BU before the game starts to see how they'd rule?

thanks

What you will run into is non-protestable umpire judgement as to whether or not a play was being made in those cases that the runner doesn't go.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:

quote:

Originally posted by drfanman:
No particular play...it just seems we've had a rash of gross rule miapplications. We are entering 9/10 PONY playoffs where OBR applies. As you know, stealing is rampant. I would like to test Rule 8.05 "throwing to unoccupied base to make a play" but wonder if our umps will know the rule. Do you think it wise to approach the BU before the game starts to see how they'd rule?

thanks

If you try it and they balk the pitcher, just ask why the balk. If they say you can't throw to an unoccupied base then it is protestable.

What you will run into is non-protestable umpire judgement as to whether or not a play was being made in those cases that the runner doesn't go.

[/QUOTE]What you will run into is non-protestable umpire judgement as to whether or not a play was being made in those cases that the runner doesn't go.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

yeah...but the way I figure it second and third base are stolen fairly easily(i.e. balk not end of world) so the risk/reward is pretty low

Thanks

Just need to clarify something in this thread....are you concerned that throwing to an unoccupied base will get a balk called on your pitcher?.....

You may throw to an unoccupied base in order to make a play..........that is not a balk....

Often the problem comes in when people read the rule book incompletely....the rule says it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base....(then adds) except to make a play........some only read the first part and not the second....if the rule was written correctly it would state, Except to make a play, it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base......

quote:

Originally posted by piaa_ump:
Just need to clarify something in this thread....are you concerned that throwing to an unoccupied base will get a balk called on your pitcher?.....

You may throw to an unoccupied base in order to make a play..........that is not a balk....

Often the problem comes in when people read the rule book incompletely....the rule says it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base....(then adds) except to make a play........some only read the first part and not the second....if the rule was written correctly it would state, Except to make a play, it is a balk to throw to an unoccupied base......

my concern is that I'm going to get an incompetent ump who doesn't know the rule like you do

You may want to talk to your UIC and see what he thinks of it. If you can convince him then maybe he will make his guys aware and you will be good.