Another one for the file.

[MTR]

I have been thinking of the bold above. This is a tactic used by alot of coaches, run on strike 3 no matter what. So..... runner on 3rd, batter swings and misses strike 3 and catcher does not drop ball but batter runs to first anyway, catcher throws down and runner on 3rd comes home......I know.... run scores.

But I was told by an umpire that if believed to be intentional to draw a throw from the catcher then interference is called and 3rd base runner is out also.

Not for over a decade. The Note quoted specifically states: "A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw may be considered a form of interference. This does not apply to the batter-runner on the dropped third strike rule". The terms used are for brevity and understanding as the "runner" and "batter-runner" would actually be retired offensive players.

The addition to this note was added in the late 1990s.

 

[GOINGDEEP]

Way to go, great job (sarcasm). There must be no better feeling in life then fooling a child who is playing a game (sarcasm).

Just because you know its something that can't be ruled against, doesn't make it right (not sarcasm).

You ever give pitching signals? ( that's trying to fool a batter ) Ever signal a batter to fake bunt, so the runner can straight up steal? ( that's trying to fool the defense ) Ever fake a throw down to a cut off SS to catch the runner on 3rd off guard for an out? ( that's fooling a runner ) Ever call time and bring the defense in for discussion on a play? ( that's trying to fool the runners and coaches as to what and where youre going to get that out )

I've had so many catchers laughingly tell me " Coach Tim, I'll never fall for that again from anyone ". So I've actually taught them NOT to listen to spectators.

 

[Momo'sDad]

I have no control over - or interest in - the fans in the stands during games. Per team rules, parents aren't allowed to talk to the players when they're in the dugout and they're not allowed to coach the kids during games, but there's no penalty for violations.

Some people don't believe things like fake bunts have a place in the 10u game. They're entitled to feel that way. I don't care. Some people don't believe a changeup should be pitched in the 10u game. Some people don't believe the runner should be sent home from 3B on a throw to 1B in the 10u game. Young girls like scoring runs. I'm not going to apologize for our team's aggressiveness. Once we have a game in hand, we slow down our running game, but until that point, get ready, because we're going to apply pressure.

Apart from cheering, I don't want fans trying to impact the game from outside the lines, but my primary concern is getting the players to focus on executing their assignments to the best of their ability. If I let my team's advancing runner know that there is no need for a slide, that statement has nothing at all to do with what the defensive player ought to do. The other teams' players need to listen to their coaches, and our players need to listen to us when they're a little unsure about what's happening. I challenge my team to know what's going on before we arrive at the park and before they have to make a play and for the most part, the only thing I ever have to yell is "pitcher! pitcher!" when a young girl is holding onto the ball. Oh, and if a batter hits the ball and doesn't run all the way to 1st, the team gets a stern reminder about that.

Kids learn in a variety of ways and being 'fooled' or 'outsmarted' is one of them. It teaches them to focus on the game situation and their coaches, not distractions from outside the game.

 

[chinamigarden]

You ever give pitching signals? ( that's trying to fool a batter ) Ever signal a batter to fake bunt, so the runner can straight up steal? ( that's trying to fool the defense ) Ever fake a throw down to a cut off SS to catch the runner on 3rd off guard for an out? ( that's fooling a runner ) Ever call time and bring the defense in for discussion on a play? ( that's trying to fool the runners and coaches as to what and where youre going to get that out )

I've had so many catchers laughingly tell me " Coach Tim, I'll never fall for that again from anyone ". So I've actually taught them NOT to listen to spectators.

There is a huge difference between talking to your players and talking to the other team. If someone wants to infer something from what you are doing with your team, that is their problem. But when you start to verbally imply, or flat out say something to the other team you are crossing a line. One that is mentioned in the rules.

As for the catchers from other teams laughingly telling you Coach Tim... I don't believe I have ever met a catcher so uncompetitive she would laugh about being fooled like that by the other team's fan or coach.

Its amazing to me that on this thread so many people are speaking out against these sorts of things and you are proudly taking credit. Well to each his own. Give them heck out there, and eventually someone will have a real life face to face discussion about this with you, or the girls will hit 14u and start ignoring you.

 

[chinamigarden]

I have no control over - or interest in - the fans in the stands during games. Per team rules, parents aren't allowed to talk to the players when they're in the dugout and they're not allowed to coach the kids during games, but there's no penalty for violations.

Some people don't believe things like fake bunts have a place in the 10u game. They're entitled to feel that way. I don't care. Some people don't believe a changeup should be pitched in the 10u game. Some people don't believe the runner should be sent home from 3B on a throw to 1B in the 10u game. Young girls like scoring runs. I'm not going to apologize for our team's aggressiveness. Once we have a game in hand, we slow down our running game, but until that point, get ready, because we're going to apply pressure.

Apart from cheering, I don't want fans trying to impact the game from outside the lines, but my primary concern is getting the players to focus on executing their assignments to the best of their ability. If I let my team's advancing runner know that there is no need for a slide, that statement has nothing at all to do with what the defensive player ought to do. The other teams' players need to listen to their coaches, and our players need to listen to us when they're a little unsure about what's happening. I challenge my team to know what's going on before we arrive at the park and before they have to make a play and for the most part, the only thing I ever have to yell is "pitcher! pitcher!" when a young girl is holding onto the ball. Oh, and if a batter hits the ball and doesn't run all the way to 1st, the team gets a stern reminder about that.

Kids learn in a variety of ways and being 'fooled' or 'outsmarted' is one of them. It teaches them to focus on the game situation and their coaches, not distractions from outside the game.

Do you beleive that being fooled or outsmarted should be contained within the lines and not by people in stands?

 

[GOINGDEEP]

There is a huge difference between talking to your players and talking to the other team. If someone wants to infer something from what you are doing with your team, that is their problem. But when you start to verbally imply, or flat out say something to the other team you are crossing a line. One that is mentioned in the rules.

As for the catchers from other teams laughingly telling you Coach Tim... I don't believe I have ever met a catcher so uncompetitive she would laugh about being fooled like that by the other team's fan or coach.

Its amazing to me that on this thread so many people are speaking out against these sorts of things and you are proudly taking credit. Well to each his own. Give them heck out there, and eventually someone will have a real life face to face discussion about this with you, or the girls will hit 14u and start ignoring you.

Rule? Can you quote it? Funny that we have played in 9 different states and 1000+ games and never been called on it. I'm not cussing a player or verbally abusing or taunting.

I guess the catchers you have been around have no sense of humor, and are not willing to learn anything that is not "written" in the book of softball. Once they (catchers) get caught off guard with the play, they usually never fall for it again. Bang, they have learned something new.

And my DD plays 18u, by this time the catchers are like stone. Because somewhere sometime someone has caught them mentally off guard and they have used that failure to adapt and focus on the play at hand.

I've been playing ball since I was 6 in HS, travel, and college. I'm still a student of the game and always happy to learn something, even if it's at my own expense.

"Fool me once, shame on you...............fool me twice, shame on me".

 

[smallball]

Ha, got one for ya. Don't throw a stone because it's all part of the game. Ever been to a MLB game. Thousands of fans yelling at the players.

I've used the behind the screen play. Runner stealing on a WP or PB. Yell at the catcher " no throw.......she's there ". Works pretty good.

Interesting. If one of your runners is headed to third, do you yell at the opposing OF to throw it to second?

 

[DOG310]

Rule? Can you quote it? Funny that we have played in 9 different states and 1000+ games and never been called on it. I'm not cussing a player or verbally abusing or taunting.

Wow, didn't know that the played bush league in that many states!

Sorry, don't see your point at all. For a grown-up to insert themselves into a kids game in such a manner shows a tremendous lack of common class. I'd much prefer for my kids to learn the game and win or lose based on their ability not some shyster using "the behind the screen play".

 

[hotcorner]

It would be easier to understand if you were doing this to your own team to better prepare them mentally. Trying to confuse them for the purpose of teaching them to block out everything from the stands. But to do this to the other team is classless.

 

[GOINGDEEP]

Interesting. If one of your runners is headed to third, do you yell at the opposing OF to throw it to second?

Ha, I don't think even 8u players would fall for that. This is not something you do at every game, or every stolen base. Trick plays have to be set up situationally perfect to work.

I'm the nicest guy you will ever meet. But I have been in the "ball" world a very long time, seen some things most don't. I do enjoy keeping people on their toes and usually we can shake hands, laugh, and maybe have a cold one at the end of the day...........and talk ball all night.