3:11. The rule you cite treat (a), (b), and (c) as independent actions. Your case plays, however, never considers (c) "Holds up his had to call Time" independently. Your case plays only consider that action of calling an ungranted "Time" along with simultaneous (a) and (b) -- stepping out with one or more feet. But the rule clearly states if (a), *or* (b), *or* (c) --- not "and," but, "or." So, per the rule, if the batter holds his hand up to call Time, and the umpire doesn't grant time, and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live. Correct? Now take one of those case plays and adjust it. Take Case Play #5 at 7:45. "0 Outs. 0-0 Count. With R3 on third base. F1 starts his pitching motion and B2 requests "Time," but the umpire does not grant "Time." B2 does not otherwise leave the batters box with either foot and F1 delivers the pitch. What now? Case is exactly the same other than the batter didn't leave the box. Thanks.
I'm a little confused regarding CP # 4. IF the count was 3-1, OK. However, with it being 3-2 when the batter steps out with both feet wouldn't that be strike 3, and an out. The pitcher's throw is to a batter that is already out, or is strike 4. No rule for a dropped fourth strike. :) If the precedent is reversed, and the overthrow is the dropped 3rd stike IF the batter reaches first, you can't enforce the step out with two feet/delay of game, which seems to be an undesired outcome.
Case Play #3 - suppose the batter stepping out of the box causes a balk, say it causes F1 to stop his delivery? What is the difference between that happening and the pitcher being thrown off by the actions of the batter - fundamentally - as in the case play?
Very interesting video, but I wonder if the "still a live ball" part of the rule makes sense. If I'm a batter with a 2-strike count, as soon as the pitcher is about to release the ball, I might as well just start running toward first base. This will likely upset the pitcher's motion and cause him to throw a wild pitch, which will cause me to strike out but still get to first base. It would seem to make more sense to call a batter stepping out of the box and causing a delay of game always be a dead ball.
That's an interesting question, but you, the batter, would be out, strike three, on the initial delay of game call for your stepping out of the batter's box with both feet. The wild pitch would allow baserunner(s) to advance if less than two outs. Your question was a real thinking one!
Also, sir, check out Case Play #2 @ 4:40. The umpire has to call time and assess a strike against the batter. So no runners can advance as a result of the suspension of play.
HELP (case play 3) - The thing I do not understand is the rules clearly state that a batter can step out of the box with one foot contacting the ground as long as he does not make contact with the pitch. So why would this be different? Because of the time out request? If Batter steps out with one foot and the pitch is delivered and not struck, how does an umpire assess that is is a violation (auto strike) in one case and not the next? Does it matter where the batter steps out (in front of box / towards plate vs out of box towards dugout?) These two rules clearly go opposite one another so I am assuming their must be a judgement here? PU determines the step out distracted the pitcher causing a wild pitch?
What if the batter stepping out of the box causes the pitcher to stop his motion and throw wild? In that case, wouldn't it be a balk and there is no pitch as the ball is dead and no pitch can be made?
On Case Play #5, you claim we should call TWO strikes because there was 1) a delivered pitch and 2) the batter stepped out with both feet CAUSING A DELAY OF GAME. But, does it really cause a delay of the game? In what way was the game delayed? The pitcher delivered the ball just as he would have done had the batter remained in the box. The penalty for stepping out is that it is an automatic strike regardless of pitch location. I don't see a delay of game, however.
I can hear a coach making the same argument in which case I would reply and say forget the label that is put on the infraction and call and enforce the infraction because it is the rules despite the title of it.
@@deerforest I think the rule *mandates* that the game be delayed for stepping out of the box before invoking the penalty - doesn't it? Stepping out, in itself, is not a violation *unless* there is a delay because of it. I see high schoolers take their signs from the 3rd base coach all the time while not having one foot in the batter's box. I'm not a Nazi about this. He's not delaying the game. I ignore it. If he's *not* getting signals and just dilly-dallying out of the batter's box *AND* everybody is waiting for him - THAT'S when I invoke the rule. But, quite honestly, I usually just say, "Keep one foot in the batter's box."
What about a ball and a strike? The pitch is a ball, way over the batter's head and then you award an automatic strike. And the situation is: There is a 3-2 count on the batter Two outs Bases loaded Bottom of the 7th inning Home team is behind by one run And this is the most important playoff game in the history of the school. (whip cream and cherry! Packed crowd, people hooting and hollering! Jumping up and down. In that case, Award the batter first base on ball four, Wait until everyone inclding the batter-runner advances on the walk, and After the batter-runner reached first base, (for dramatic effect), Call the batter out for the third out which would nullify the run scored. It would be best to award the bases on ball four and wait for the batter and all other runners to advance FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT and to risk you life. Luckily you used to be a Navy Seal and your entire team is there to watch you umpire this important game. Home team loses by one run, the most important playoff game in the history of the school. I jest, kind of. My real question is if the actions of the batter cause the pitcher to stumble or throw a wild pitch, what should happen in that case? What will you do in your game? Will you call time, award a strike to the pitcher and continue the game? A more fundamental point: The offensive team caused a problem which they benefit from. Do you allow this to happen?
I don't do much softball but was doing the plate on one of those showcase tournaments for college coaches to get a look at up and coming players. Batter holds up her hand, asking for time, and steps out with one foot. Pitcher starts her windup but I call time and step away from the plate. Pitcher stops her windup and does not pitch. Coach tells me, "You can't do that!" To which I reply, "I already did." No pitch. So sorry. Never say never. If the pitcher is thrown off by the actions of the batter and a ball is pitched in the dirt, or a passed ball or wild pitch. Guess what the coach is going to say then? You have to do what you think is the best thing to do in the situation. The rule book is not going to tell you. Was the coach right? I don't do much softball. Let's say he was technically right. Do I get a rule book from someone, after calling time of course. Prop up the rule book on a mound of sand behind the plate so it has a good view of the strike zone and the field, and then allow the rule book to umpire the rest of the game? Maybe I should have?
What if there is a runner on and the batter requests time (not granted) but keeps both feet in the box, and the pitcher legally delivers the pitch? Per the rule, that’s an automatic strike, right? Assuming of course the batter doesn’t hit the ball.
@@kennyaubin I'm confused then by the sentence "In (a), (b) and (c), if the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live."
@@alexmcdonald2122 According to the rule it’s a called strike. My mistakes ! If the batter does not engage the pitcher after being denied time, sounds like the rule applies. If he regains a batter’s stance then I’m calling the pitch. I may be wrong with this approach but it will keep you out of trouble. Maybe Patrick will respond to this situation.
A year later and I have a similar question. As it's presented here, the rule definitely reads that if the batter calls for Time and it's not granted ... he just earned himself an automatic strike. That's a pretty big risk as a batter. But that rule in the video has those three conditions all separated by the word "or." Thus, they are all independent conditions as written.
Once again the Federation rules committee wants to force an umpire to pick up the shitty end of the stick. I refuse to be their puppet. Simply call time out in a dynamic manner. I’m not calling a pitch that sails to the backstop a strike.
Thanks so much for the great video content. This helps me so much as a high school umpire in Tennessee.
Chris Mixon loves this 2 strike rule.. lol THUMBS UP from Houston County Umpires
Thank you for the rules video, Houston County Association enjoys them.
3:11. The rule you cite treat (a), (b), and (c) as independent actions. Your case plays, however, never considers (c) "Holds up his had to call Time" independently. Your case plays only consider that action of calling an ungranted "Time" along with simultaneous (a) and (b) -- stepping out with one or more feet. But the rule clearly states if (a), *or* (b), *or* (c) --- not "and," but, "or."
So, per the rule, if the batter holds his hand up to call Time, and the umpire doesn't grant time, and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live. Correct?
Now take one of those case plays and adjust it. Take Case Play #5 at 7:45. "0 Outs. 0-0 Count. With R3 on third base. F1 starts his pitching motion and B2 requests "Time," but the umpire does not grant "Time." B2 does not otherwise leave the batters box with either foot and F1 delivers the pitch.
What now? Case is exactly the same other than the batter didn't leave the box. Thanks.
I'm a little confused regarding CP # 4. IF the count was 3-1, OK. However, with it being 3-2 when the batter steps out with both feet wouldn't that be strike 3, and an out. The pitcher's throw is to a batter that is already out, or is strike 4. No rule for a dropped fourth strike. :) If the precedent is reversed, and the overthrow is the dropped 3rd stike IF the batter reaches first, you can't enforce the step out with two feet/delay of game, which seems to be an undesired outcome.
Case Play #3 - suppose the batter stepping out of the box causes a balk, say it causes F1 to stop his delivery?
What is the difference between that happening and the pitcher being thrown off by the actions of the batter - fundamentally - as in the case play?
Very interesting video, but I wonder if the "still a live ball" part of the rule makes sense. If I'm a batter with a 2-strike count, as soon as the pitcher is about to release the ball, I might as well just start running toward first base. This will likely upset the pitcher's motion and cause him to throw a wild pitch, which will cause me to strike out but still get to first base. It would seem to make more sense to call a batter stepping out of the box and causing a delay of game always be a dead ball.
That's an interesting question, but you, the batter, would be out, strike three, on the initial delay of game call for your stepping out of the batter's box with both feet. The wild pitch would allow baserunner(s) to advance if less than two outs. Your question was a real thinking one!
Also, sir, check out Case Play #2 @ 4:40. The umpire has to call time and assess a strike against the batter. So no runners can advance as a result of the suspension of play.
Dang it, I was wrong. Check out Case Play #4 @ 6:16.
We need a mechanics explanation on this one.
HELP (case play 3) - The thing I do not understand is the rules clearly state that a batter can step out of the box with one foot contacting the ground as long as he does not make contact with the pitch. So why would this be different? Because of the time out request? If Batter steps out with one foot and the pitch is delivered and not struck, how does an umpire assess that is is a violation (auto strike) in one case and not the next? Does it matter where the batter steps out (in front of box / towards plate vs out of box towards dugout?) These two rules clearly go opposite one another so I am assuming their must be a judgement here? PU determines the step out distracted the pitcher causing a wild pitch?
What if the batter stepping out of the box causes the pitcher to stop his motion and throw wild? In that case, wouldn't it be a balk and there is no pitch as the ball is dead and no pitch can be made?
These are excellent.
Somewhat confusing with the difference/ruling, the key is one or two feet removed from the box.
On Case Play #5, you claim we should call TWO strikes because there was 1) a delivered pitch and 2) the batter stepped out with both feet CAUSING A DELAY OF GAME. But, does it really cause a delay of the game? In what way was the game delayed? The pitcher delivered the ball just as he would have done had the batter remained in the box. The penalty for stepping out is that it is an automatic strike regardless of pitch location. I don't see a delay of game, however.
I can hear a coach making the same argument in which case I would reply and say forget the label that is put on the infraction and call and enforce the infraction because it is the rules despite the title of it.
@@deerforest I think the rule *mandates* that the game be delayed for stepping out of the box before invoking the penalty - doesn't it? Stepping out, in itself, is not a violation *unless* there is a delay because of it.
I see high schoolers take their signs from the 3rd base coach all the time while not having one foot in the batter's box. I'm not a Nazi about this. He's not delaying the game. I ignore it. If he's *not* getting signals and just dilly-dallying out of the batter's box *AND* everybody is waiting for him - THAT'S when I invoke the rule. But, quite honestly, I usually just say, "Keep one foot in the batter's box."
What about a ball and a strike? The pitch is a ball, way over the batter's head and then you award an automatic strike. And the situation is:
There is a 3-2 count on the batter
Two outs
Bases loaded
Bottom of the 7th inning
Home team is behind by one run
And this is the most important playoff game in the history of the school. (whip cream and cherry! Packed crowd, people hooting and hollering! Jumping up and down.
In that case,
Award the batter first base on ball four,
Wait until everyone inclding the batter-runner advances on the walk, and
After the batter-runner reached first base, (for dramatic effect),
Call the batter out for the third out which would nullify the run scored.
It would be best to award the bases on ball four and wait for the batter and all other runners to advance FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT and to risk you life. Luckily you used to be a Navy Seal and your entire team is there to watch you umpire this important game.
Home team loses by one run, the most important playoff game in the history of the school.
I jest, kind of.
My real question is if the actions of the batter cause the pitcher to stumble or throw a wild pitch, what should happen in that case? What will you do in your game?
Will you call time, award a strike to the pitcher and continue the game?
A more fundamental point: The offensive team caused a problem which they benefit from. Do you allow this to happen?
I don't do much softball but was doing the plate on one of those showcase tournaments for college coaches to get a look at up and coming players.
Batter holds up her hand, asking for time, and steps out with one foot.
Pitcher starts her windup but I call time and step away from the plate.
Pitcher stops her windup and does not pitch.
Coach tells me, "You can't do that!" To which I reply, "I already did."
No pitch. So sorry. Never say never.
If the pitcher is thrown off by the actions of the batter and a ball is pitched in the dirt, or a passed ball or wild pitch. Guess what the coach is going to say then?
You have to do what you think is the best thing to do in the situation. The rule book is not going to tell you.
Was the coach right? I don't do much softball. Let's say he was technically right.
Do I get a rule book from someone, after calling time of course. Prop up the rule book on a mound of sand behind the plate so it has a good view of the strike zone and the field, and then allow the rule book to umpire the rest of the game?
Maybe I should have?
What if there is a runner on and the batter requests time (not granted) but keeps both feet in the box, and the pitcher legally delivers the pitch? Per the rule, that’s an automatic strike, right? Assuming of course the batter doesn’t hit the ball.
No penalty, call the pitch as is.
@@kennyaubin I'm confused then by the sentence "In (a), (b) and (c), if the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a strike and the ball remains live."
@@alexmcdonald2122 According to the rule it’s a called strike. My mistakes !
If the batter does not engage the pitcher after being denied time, sounds like the rule applies. If he regains a batter’s stance then I’m calling the pitch. I may be wrong with this approach but it will keep you out of trouble.
Maybe Patrick will respond to this situation.
A year later and I have a similar question. As it's presented here, the rule definitely reads that if the batter calls for Time and it's not granted ... he just earned himself an automatic strike. That's a pretty big risk as a batter. But that rule in the video has those three conditions all separated by the word "or." Thus, they are all independent conditions as written.
What if batter steps out and then the pitch hits the batter. Is it a strike and a live ball?
Dead ball strike, just as if the batter was hit while in the strike zone.
Good stuff.
Thanks!
Batter can not cause a balk!
Once again the Federation rules committee wants to force an umpire to pick up the shitty end of the stick. I refuse to be their puppet. Simply call time out in a dynamic manner. I’m not calling a pitch that sails to the backstop a strike.