Not Really Out at 1st - Coach Pitch

Here's the rule from the book: "A base runner cannot leave her base before the ball reaches home plate is out. (umpires decision)." She was called out at 1st base by the umpire for stepping off the bag during a pitch. Is she really out? No, I don't believe so. She wasn't leading off toward 2nd, which is the intent of the rule; she didn't even leave the base, which is the letter of the rule. She was merely resetting her stance after a brief word with a coach.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• CaitlynnBall20090508

[jklnml]

It's a direct quote. I'm sure they twisted their fingers a bit when they cut and pasted, and edited the text before printing the rule book. My guess is, remove "is out" to have a complete sentence.

[jklnml]

Here's the rule from the book: "A base runner cannot leave her base before the ball reaches home plate is out. (umpires decision)."

[dwolfg]

I agree with the umpire's call. Yes it is an instructional or learning league, at what age do you teach kids to learn the rules, obey them and use them to your advantage if possible?

[youatemypants]

Re-positioning your feet shouldn't be an out. The umpires in my league never call me out for that. Stupid umpire. Plus its a game for a bunch of little kids, do you really have to make that call?

[RadioMan1230AM]

This is the reason why where I call games there are NO umpires in t-ball, machine (or coach) pitch leagues. Only games where the kids are pitching are umpires used. Did she step off the base... yes. According to the rule quoted, the umpire can call her out. Since this looks like an instructional league, it might be best to scrap the ump on these games for games where the umpire is more necessary. These kids will learn only the the umpire is looking for every little thing to call you out on.

[lovell82169]

I've umpired youth ball for years and while yes she came off the bag, a little common sense is in order here. I would NEVER make a call like that at a coach pitch level.

There are the rules, but especially at this age, there is the "spirit of the rule".

[willolsson]

Rediculous call. The rule is meant to keep the runner from leaving early on a hit ball. Not to keep the runner's foot glued to the bag at all times.

[tplatt15]

who cares? theyre like 8 years old

[herzmn76]

she did step off, but he shouldnt have called her out

[Sonic8231]

"A base runner cannot leave her base before the ball reaches home plate is out." That sentence makes no sense. I'm pretty sure that's not what the rule says.