PU should have trailed the runner a few steps (or at minimum, stayed near the plate until the ball was fielded and thrown), then moved to cover a potential play at 3B. PU has responsibility for pulled foot at 1B. From this position PU could have seen the OBS. Either umpire can call OBS.
You only need her to "show you the ball" if there is a question in your mind whether she had control at the time of the tag. I have an out in the OP and in the play described at the plate. :cool:
Not true, Lozza. Contact is not required for Obstruction or Interference. In this situation, INT was called (sounds like the ump kicked the call, but HTBT to be sure). He certainly kicked the explanation. "Step and a reach" is a Fed concept, and as explained above, applies after a fielder as...
Buckgeno, you are an umpire. Please look up the definition of "appeal" in the rules book. Help us educate everyone by using "appeal" correctly. The situations you describe are not appeals, but rather requests by a coach for us to ask for additional information from our partner(s).
MTR is absolutely right. Umpires should never talk directly to spectators (other than maybe a polite acknowledgement of polite greetings before game or between innings). He should have had the Visitors head coach take charge of the problem.
If I have a batter trying to get HBP by sticking their arm, hip, or knee into the path of the pitch, I have no problem keeping them at bat and ruling a "DEAD BALL -- BALL." I've done it all levels from 12U to NCAA. I have yet to have the chance to call "DEAD BALL -- STRIKE," but I have seen it...
In Florida, we've had our HS pitching distance at 43' for the last two years. It was an experiment authorized by NFHS. As an umpire, I say it's been a great success. College coaches love being able to see HS pitchers at 43'. I have not seen any problems -- even from the less skilled...