Field Umpire calls slap hitter out of box?

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Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
If the umpire has instructed the team to return to play and they refuse, yes the umpire has the authority to declare a forfeit.

If the team was winning by 4 runs and continued to argue after being told to drop it, pretty dumb move on the coaches part.
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
If the umpire has instructed the team to return to play and they refuse, yes the umpire has the authority to declare a forfeit.

This is a grey area.
The Ump never tried to re-initiate play.
The arguing team certainly would have,
but the umpire went from 0 to 100 in a matter of less than 1-minute,
declared the forfeit, and left the playing field.
Both teams still on the field and in their dugouts, in shock at what had just happened.

If the team was winning by 4 runs and continued to argue after being told to drop it, pretty dumb move on the coaches part.

yes, I most certainly agree.
adults are good at ruining games for kids, aren't they?

I think in retrospect, if the Field ump or HP ump, calmly conferenced with the arguing team's head coach,
that the call is going to stand, get over it and continue play, or the game will be forfeited; things would have resolved very quickly.
Instead the field ump, just engaged with the arguing team in a very raised and confronting voice, and never offered a resolution,
until out of the blue he declared the forfeit and left the field.
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Last time I yelled at ump I yelled at HC, parents and ump. Swear words might have came out of my mouth, now I might be in trouble.

Why engage?
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
For the umpires here: If there are no batters box lines anymore, how do you make that call? Is there a guideline you follow or just use your best judgment? Do you only call something that's so beyond obvious (2-3 feet beyond where the line probably would be) that nobody can reasonably argue?
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
The lines exist regardless of if they are still on the field or not. Once they are obliterated, it is purely umpire judgement and benefit of the doubt should go to the batter. But as stated if it is completely obvious it should still be called.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
This is a grey area.
The Ump never tried to re-initiate play.
The arguing team certainly would have,
but the umpire went from 0 to 100 in a matter of less than 1-minute,
declared the forfeit, and left the playing field.
Both teams still on the field and in their dugouts, in shock at what had just happened.

Did the offensive coach come out screaming at the FU? That's ALWAYS a good way to start with an umpire when question a call. Especially when an umpire has clearly not followed the correct mechanics when making a call.

Going off of your descriptions it sounds like the FU realized he fubar'd when the coach came questioning the call and was looking for a way out. So what happened to the HP umpire? Did he leave with the FU? Did anyone try get the TD or UIC to get the situation straightened out? Did the forfeit stand?
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
Did the offensive coach come out screaming at the FU? That's ALWAYS a good way to start with an umpire when question a call. Especially when an umpire has clearly not followed the correct mechanics when making a call.

Going off of your descriptions it sounds like the FU realized he fubar'd when the coach came questioning the call and was looking for a way out. So what happened to the HP umpire? Did he leave with the FU? Did anyone try get the TD or UIC to get the situation straightened out? Did the forfeit stand?

rest of the story:
The Bench coach was the one to originally voice his disappointment in the call.
He never entered the field of play.
The Field ump went from 0 to 100 in about 30 seconds, and ejected him.
Then the head coach (at 3B at the time) started in on him.
Not a raised voice, not disrespectful - just pointed out that there is no way he can make the call he did from where he was positioned.

It really bothered me that the HP Ump never tried to take control of the situation and diffuse it.
I later realized that the Field ump WAS the UIC! crazy...

more backstory: apparently, in the pre-game conference at the plate, the field ump expressed his frustration, more than once, that the game was starting about 30min late.
(it was the last game of the day for pool play) I'm sure it didn't help when the head coach said: "I know you are frustrated that the game started late, but please don't take that out on my team, or disrespect my coaches." That's when the game was forfeited.

The forfeit stood.
 
Last edited:
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
It really bothered me that the HP Ump never tried to take control of the situation and diffuse it.
I later realized that the Field ump WAS the UIC! crazy...

more backstory: apparently, in the pre-game conference at the plate, the field ump expressed his frustration, more than once, that the game was starting about 30min late.
(it was the last game of the day for pool play) I'm sure it didn't help when the head coach said: "I know you are frustrated that the game started late, but please don't take that out on my team, or disrespect my coaches." That's when the game was forfeited.

The forfeit stood.

What is the UIC doing umpiring games? Unfortunate for your team. Was this a small tournament?

The HC tossed fuel on the fire. In a situation like that it's best to agree the with umpire about the late start, you "don't like it either", and tell him you'll get your players on and off the field as quickly as possible between innings. That tells them you understand. If a field is behind it's usually a schedule that does not allow the correct change over times between games.

I've had umpires at the plate looking for the coaches as we're standing at the dugout waiting for the team in front of us to clear out. I'll tell them "Be there is a second. Let me get my lineup out of my bag." Most are pretty good about it.
 

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