Very Bad Call By Umpires at CASL Softball League in Cairo, Egypt.

[rrbautista]

speaking as an ASA umpire, the actual rule is the runner only has to make an ATTEMPT to advance. Even if the runner turns right, goes to the fence, and then runs towards 2nd base, but stops prior to entering into fair territory, he can be tagged out. Yes, tagged out in foul territory, as he made an ATTEMPT....

[hucknbuck1]

he did make a attempt how was that wrong?

[jms5741]

I could not see the play that well but it does not matter if he intnded on running to second if it was outta play he gets the base in these type of leauges.

[MrCons101]

It's a judgment call by the umpire. Whether you think it's right or not, you can't argue.

[critter2]

is it me or the fact that he look like he miss first base running down from the start?

[1mediaguy]

The camera's view of the batter-runner is partially blocked by the plate umpire. But it does appear the runner did intentionally take a couple steps towards second base which, by definition, is an attempt to advance. If the runner had just hustled back to first base after his one allowed stop, he wouldn't have been tagged out.

[shawnlshs]

It all depends on what rules commission this game. I am a certified umpire and we follow s.c.m.a.f. rules. They state that the runner has to show clear intent on advancing to be put out. I don't know what rules this league folows. The problem is that many players & umpires that played baseball "think" they know the rules and "think" that the rules are the same. However, there are many rules that are different.

[panache101]

he does not have to commit completely, he took a couple steps toward before he retreated to 1st, one step or even leaning toward second is considered a commitment

[panache101]

correct call, the runner made a motion to go to second, the call is correct

[agredon]

I remember one time overrunning 1B [on a single], turning around and walking back to 1B. I was fine, but the 1B coach told me to turn right from then on so that noone couldn't claim I had tried for 2B and call me out. Seemed stupid to me at the time, but I guess some UMPs really are dumb enough to call that "intent".

[cv73501]

Intent, no intent, its a judgement call. The dude who got called out carried himself with class. He did scream and cry like a child. Guess he understands it is just a game. Good for him.

[cv73501]

Intent, no intent, its a judgement call. The dude who got called out carried himself with class. He did scream and cry like a child. Guess he understands it is just a game. Good for him.

[avsfan331940]

I agree this is a very weak call. That's why in HS baseball (and I carry this over to playing slowpitch now) we were always taught to "check down right", curve off to the right of the line after hitting the bag, unless you are directed to second by your coach or you think you can make it there.

[thomasjohnmoran]

The umpires had previously defined intent as "obviously intending" to advance. Simply turning left after overrunning first didn't rise to that level. They always called it that way before. Specifically the home plate umpire whose previous opinion I was referring to. They do a good job there. I think they just changed the interpretation without letting anyone know.

[deerforest]

There are 40 myths to the rules of baseball and this is one which is applicable to softball as well; the umpire should have known better but one doesn't get to be the most intelligent umpire overnight. A runner CAN rotate counterclockwise after overrunning first base without penalty. A bodily movement indicating desire to advance towards second base would place him in jeopardy to be put out. Those myths keep getting perpetuated.

[goalieguy41]

you can see he is going to go to second....thats intent.....he is out

[danaalper1]

I'm not seeing it. Clearly no intent to go to second.

[goalieguy41]

you see the step towards the second base bag after the throw...thats intent

[danaalper1]

There's a big American and expat community in Egypt. Same in most of the Gulf countries. If you watch the Little League world series they always have a team from Saudi Arabia. The weather is always nice, and cool enought to play in the evening most of the year.

[AlcoholLevel]

I don't know how to make the call but something about this video had me laughing because I would have never imagined in a thousand years anybody would be playing baseball in Cairo.... I hope the rules of the game are not governed by the islamic code (steal second and receive 40 lashes ? lol)

[thomasjohnmoran]

A few games earlier I had specifically asked the home plate umpire for a clarification on what would amount to "intent" to try for second. 

She gave me a demonstration which amounted to "obviously" trying to go to second.

This did not happen. That's why I spoke to her. To tell her that what she had said previously wasnt the same as the call. That's all.

[rivercityumpire]

Why argue with the plate umpire she didn't make the call at first?