Yet another runner hit by batted ball question.

[ScottyDont]

PONY Tournament rules.

Bases loaded, one out, R2 is hit by a batted ground ball before the ball passes the SS. Umpire calls dead ball, runner is out. R3 is given home on the play, umpire stating that "she had to advance on the hit, there is nowhere else for her to go". Coach argued unsuccessfully that once dead ball is called, all runners must return to previous base except for the batter and R1.

What's the correct call?

 

[eddieq]

Everyone returns to the last base touched at the time of the INT. Only advance if forced.

So, R2 is out. R3 isn't forced. B-R is placed on first. R1 is forced to 2nd. Bases loaded, 2 outs.

 

[ScottyDont]

That's what the coach argued, unsuccessfully. The umpires later apologized in the parking lot and said they both got it wrong.

 

[BretMan]

That's what the coach argued, unsuccessfully.

Is there any coach out there that knows how to file an official protest?

The umpires later apologized in the parking lot and said they both got it wrong.

Hmmm. Wonder what caused the light bulb to go off between the field and the parking lot? If they were sure they were right on the field, what could have changed their minds?

 

[ScottyDont]

Is there any coach out there that knows how to file an official protest?



Hmmm. Wonder what caused the light bulb to go off between the field and the parking lot? If they were sure they were right on the field, what could have changed their minds?

All protests must be accompanied by a $150 check which is nonrefundable if the protest is not upheld. If we were sure of the rule at the time, the coaches could have protested, I suppose. Game ended up an 8-2 win for our side, no harm no foul.

I assume the umpires contacted someone after the game was over, perhaps they weren't sure at all?

 

[Greenmonsters]

What if coaches had to put up $50 or $100 cash anytime they wanted to argue a rules violation/misinterpretation with an umpire? It might just make the coaches actually read and understand the rule sets they play under. And, if they were wrong, the umpiring crew would get to split the cash; however, if the coach was correct, the umpire in question would have to return their game fee to the employing agent.

 

[chinamigarden]

Saw a baserunner hit by the ball between 1st and second in a game recently. Clearly she was hit and clearly she was in front of the second baseman waiting for the ball. Would have been a routine play. Umps got the call right 3rd out end of the inning. the HC was coaching 3rd and she went off, about the rule not being called properly and her girl should not be out.....

Next inning she is walking over to the 3rd base box and apologizes to the umps. Makes a comment about getting her eyes checked because she was sure the fielder was in front of the runner, but everyone in her dugout saw it the way the umps did.

 

[BretMan]

All protests must be accompanied by a $150 check which is nonrefundable if the protest is not upheld.

This is a ridiculous policy, though common with most tournaments. The standard rules don't require any sort of fee be paid to lodge a protest. If your league or tournament charges a fee, that is something they came up with on their own.

You're already paying for the umpires. Why should you have to pay extra to ensure the right calls are made?

The party line is always that this prevents frivolous protests. But if the protest is truly frivolous, it will be summarily dismissed. The tournament won't incur any extra cost through dismissing protests that have no merit.

If the protest is valid and upheld, several good things happen. First, the right call gets made. The offended team is no longer disadvantaged by a bad rule misinterpretation. That, to me, is a good outcome.

Just as importantly, the umpires learn something! That is one rule that they likely won't mess up again. They won't be making the same bogus call in future games, which ultimately leads to better officiating.

And, if the protest is overruled, the coach will learn something, too. It's a win-win situation all the way around. So why do tournaments do everything they can to discourage protests?

 

[soonerfan1966]

BretMan, i remember 20 years ago when my son was playing baseball, it was the same 150ish dollars and you had already been told they would not overrule the umpire.