From: TASO Baseball Rules Interpreter
To: TASO Baseball Umpire Membership
Subject: Baseball Weekly Bulletin 24-1
The hard work is almost all over. Getting the Equipment out of storage; Ordering what shrunk and won’t fit from last year; Learning the New Rule Changes; Attending State and Local Meetings; Dusting Off the Rule Book; Mechanic Clinics; Scrimmages; Getting the Quads and Thigh Muscles back into shape. It is hard work indeed. But it is worth it as the season is here. And now we get to do what we love doing: working baseball.
We have worked scrimmages and now competition is here and we are working multi-games over multi-days for all the early season tournaments. It has not taken long for some questions to come up so let’s get to some of them.
However, even if the noise-makers are allowed, if the umpires judge that their use is unsporting in nature, they may require that the devices be removed. Just be fair in that determination.
Some Batting-out-of-Order Plays that have been questioned: Rule on these three plays for next week:
Have a great week.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
Jkyle1974@aol.com
979-446-5522
To: TASO Baseball Umpire Membership
Subject: Baseball Weekly Bulletin 24-1
The hard work is almost all over. Getting the Equipment out of storage; Ordering what shrunk and won’t fit from last year; Learning the New Rule Changes; Attending State and Local Meetings; Dusting Off the Rule Book; Mechanic Clinics; Scrimmages; Getting the Quads and Thigh Muscles back into shape. It is hard work indeed. But it is worth it as the season is here. And now we get to do what we love doing: working baseball.
We have worked scrimmages and now competition is here and we are working multi-games over multi-days for all the early season tournaments. It has not taken long for some questions to come up so let’s get to some of them.
- Noise-Makers: Usually, this question comes at the end of the regular season and the start of post-season. Yet, it has come up already. I guess the fans and fellow students are excited for the start of the season as well. On one hand, it is a good thing that other students from the school are coming to the baseball games. The fact that many of them are bringing noise makers with them can lead to excitement and challenges.
However, even if the noise-makers are allowed, if the umpires judge that their use is unsporting in nature, they may require that the devices be removed. Just be fair in that determination.
- A Ground Rule Double or Home Run?: We have had a couple of questions regarding a hit that went over the fence and if it was a home run or a ground rule double. For those with some age on them, remember Jose Canseco who had a batted ball bounce off his head and be deflected over the fence for a home run? So, let’s review what situations like this would result in, a home run and what would be a ground rule double. All could end in a healthy discussion with a coach.
- 1) The ball is deflected by a fielder over the fence over foul ground; 2) The ball is deflected by a fielder over the fence over fair ground, but such deflection occurs after the fly ball has struck the facing of the home run fence; 3) The ball comes to rest on the top of a home run wall or fence (please let me know if this happens); 4) The ball passes through the fence (or scoreboard that is part of the fence)
- Face Painted Flags: We have had a few games where some players 1) both on same team and, 2) both on opposing teams, had painted on their face flags of countries that are at issue with each other. The question for us as officials is: what do we do with this. The UIL has provided guidance which for us is to not ask the players to remove the flags or paintings. We should ignore them and make no reference to them unless 1) the painting is such that it could be reflective and/or distracting to a batter, and 2) resulting player behavior is such that it is a violation of Rule 3-3-1f occurs and we need to handle the actions.
- One-Way Electronic Equipment: Overall, the first week has gone well with regards to the new rule change. A couple of instances where the pitcher was wearing the device and not the catcher but they were easily remedied. A couple of clarifications for this rule: 1) The catcher may still be wearing his device when he comes to bat. He does not have to take it off and then put it back on. Obviously, he cannot be receiving instruction while at-bat from anyone, or that would be a violation of the rule. 2) If the equipment malfunctions of breaks, a coach may come out to quickly fix it without being charged a defensive conference. This is no different than a coach coming out to help repair a broken glove or other equipment. The length of time provided should not be long and is determined by the umpire. If the earpiece receiver cannot be fixed somewhat quickly, then the team either waits until the next half-inning to fix it or bring in another player with functional equipment.
- Coach in Stands Giving Pitching Signals: In a few games, there has been an adult individual who has appeared to be giving signals to the pitcher while sitting in the stands. If that individual is in the uniform of the team, we should request that he return to the dugout. If he is not in the uniform of the team, there is nothing we can do to stop or prevent it. The pitcher still must abide by our pitching rules: while legally in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher shall take or simulate taking the sign from the catcher.
- Use of Props: We have had several games where teams have celebrated home runs (or other plays) with the use of props. There has been a play basketball goal brought out and the scoring runner given a nerf basketball to slam dunk; another team gives the player hitting a home run a robe and specter and honor him as he returns to the dugout through a team line; and other instance where the player is provided with special headwear. All these practices and any other using a prop is a violation of rule 3-3-1f and should be handled accordingly.
- Controversial Play: There has been a play in which there has been a large variety, all over the spectrum, of thoughts on the enforcement. In this play, we have a runner on first base and the batter hits a long, high fly ball to deep left field near dead ball territory. The runner from first leaves on the crack of the bat and has touched second and is a few feet on to third when the left fielder makes a difficult catch and has his momentum carry him into dead ball territory. So, how are we to handle this play?
Some Batting-out-of-Order Plays that have been questioned: Rule on these three plays for next week:
- It is B3's turn to bat but B5 bats instead. On the first pitch, B5 swings and misses and R1 steals second. Either team then notices B3 is supposed to bat. Does R1 have to return to first?
- R2 is on 2nd and R1 on first with no outs. It is B3's turn to bat but B4 bats instead. He hits a ground ball to F5. F5 touches third to force out R2 and fires to F4 at second base to force out R1. The defensive team appeals the batting out of order infraction. Is it a good move for the defense to appeal since they already got a double play?
- B8 is hitting in the position where B7 should be. R1 is on first and successfully steals second base. R1 then advances to third on the errant throw by the catcher. B8 hits a fly ball to center field that scores the runner. The defense now appeals the batting out of order rule.
Have a great week.
Kyle McNeely
TASO State BB Rules Interpreter
Jkyle1974@aol.com
979-446-5522