Ultra-bush baseball

Seems like this is the new trend in youth sports.

Parents and coaches might want to start sitting down with their kids to have discussions BEFORE this type of activity happens.

Looks like the LHP with pro aspirations could do ok as a line-backer. You see that tackle!?

Rich
www.playinschool.com

quote:

Originally posted by PIS:
...Looks like the LHP with pro aspirations could do ok as a line-backer. You see that tackle!?

That wasn't Zak. Zak is #13. Looks like #28 (or #22?) made the tackle.

Besides, the LHP would/should have been backing up home rather than hanging out on the mound.

Good eye Redbird5. I was quick on the draw because it looked like 28 came from the direction of the mound. 13 can be seen helping to pull opposing players off his teammates but not fighting toward end of the video. Nice job.

Rich
www.playinschool.com

Initial fault IMHO is on the base runner who clearly tried to steam roll the catcher. VHSL has a "must slide" rule.

It may be that the catcher was guilty of obstruction. If so, then the umpire could make that judgment and rule accordingly. Any potential obstruction, however, would not justify bringing your arms in and leaning forward to brace yourself for what amounted to a football-style blow to the catcher.

I see where the catcher claims that he did nothing. It sure looks to me like he kicked the man on the ground at one point, and that this precipitated his getting shoved from behind by another Carroll County player, which then escalated into the brawl.

But since the base runner started all this, I think he should've faced the heaviest punishment. Part of the reason for the must-slide rule is to avoid immediate injuries on collisions. But the rule is also there because everyone knows what happens when the adrenaline is flowing and people start throwing body blocks. That doesn't excuse what happened after, but clearly that was the inciting act that lit the fuse.

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
Initial fault IMHO is on the base runner who clearly tried to steam roll the catcher. VHSL has a "must slide" rule.

It may be that the catcher was guilty of obstruction. If so, then the umpire could make that judgment and rule accordingly. Any potential obstruction, however, would not justify bringing your arms in and leaning forward to brace yourself for what amounted to a football-style blow to the catcher.

I see where the catcher claims that he did nothing. It sure looks to me like he kicked the man on the ground at one point, and that this precipitated his getting shoved from behind by another Carroll County player, which then escalated into the brawl.

But since the base runner started all this, I think he should've faced the heaviest punishment. Part of the reason for the must-slide rule is to avoid immediate injuries on collisions. But the rule is also there because everyone knows what happens when the adrenaline is flowing and people start throwing body blocks. That doesn't excuse what happened after, but clearly that was the inciting act that lit the fuse.

VHSL (and all of FED) does not have a must slide rule, it is a slide or avoid (basically, the runner must slide, run around the fielder, or get into a rundown). And even if the catcher committed obstruction, if the runner steamrolls him, malicious contact in judgment of the umpire supersedes the obstruction. However, there is no time the runner must slide, and no player is allowed to maliciously contact another player ever.

I see several things in the video, most important is the umpires lack action, as soon as the flagrant illegal contact was made he should have called the runner out and ejected him from the game. as for the catchers actions well he just taken out adn sure didn't look like he had all his senses about him....just my opinion/observation.

Is it just me...but during the bunt (prior to the clearing of the benches) it looks like the catcher actually sets up over the plate. I mean he looks like he leeps into the way of the batter as he sets up to receive the ball (20 seconds into the video). Might just be the video...

From the video it looks as if the catcher is up the line anyway. It's fair game from there. As a catcher you can't block the plate and think you are free and clear. I was a catcher in high school and college. You are going to take some hits and thats just the game in itself. I don't like to fight but when the blood is flowing and the game is on the line you got to be *** and elbows. Don't blame the umpires for not controlling the game. As a coach you teach character and respect. So for the Head Coach to put blame on the blue is stupid.

quote:

Originally posted by playright:
I see several things in the video, most important is the umpires lack action, as soon as the flagrant illegal contact was made he should have called the runner out and ejected him from the game. as for the catchers actions well he just taken out adn sure didn't look like he had all his senses about him....just my opinion/observation.

Looks to me like the catcher was responsible for both incidents. He clearly moved forward during the bunt attempt and interfered with the batter, look where the runner slid behind him. He was well off the plate. In the second play he was up the line blocking the line with out the ball, then he kicked the runners arm while the runner was laying on the ground to keep him from reaching the plate. I don't agree with the fight but the catcher should have been kicked for his actions during the second play and should have been called for interference during the bunt. If the ump is on the ball and makes these calls loudly I don't think this happens. Again the players should have had the disipline to restrain from fighting.

If you read in the comments section of the link you will see a post from the catcher saying he and the catcher are good friends and summer ball teamates. Lots of misunderstanding but the kids seem to have a better handle on things than the adults.

I saw a play almost identical in a game earlier this Spring. Runner goes into the catcher, well up the baseline, with a half slide half shoulder block. The catcher drops the ball and the runner gets up and dives for home safely. The umpire calls the runner out for not sliding, while the runner is lying on the ground at home plate, the catcher appears to taunt the runner from above. The runner ends up called out by the umpire, thrown out of the game in the bottom of the 1st inning and the suspended from his next game. There was discipline for the catcher. I totally agree with the runner being tossed, since he did not slide, but the play was way up the base line and the catcher did appear to taunt the runner after the play. In this case, cooler heads prevailed and there was no fight. Losing starting players for basically two games was a stiff penalty.

As a baserunner, you always expect the out tag to be done at the base. When it's a play at home, your mindset is to prepare to slide into home, but when you look up and the catcher in 10' up the baseline, you have no place to slide. Your best option is to try and stop, but your momentem may not allow it. The other option is to try and deke around the catcher somehow.

Why would the runner be out for not sliding?

Not sure of the other coach but the Tazewell Coach needs to be thanked for his time and let go.

Lou Perry has no control of his team if in a "tough game" a "heated game" he as head coach expects the "umpires must take control". His time should be up!

Eventually we need to start holding those in the top position responsible...