Does Anyone ever use this anymore

[umpin50]

Hey guys i was just wondering if anyone ever looks at this page anymore. well if you do i would like some feedback. yesterday i had a game and i was doing the bases. the i think the bases were first and second and the batter squares to bunt. well the pitcher decides to then turn properly and throw to first where the first baseman was at the cut of the grass getting ready to charge. in my opinion i felt the pitcher threw the ball to the base where the first baseman could have made a play, well the head coach wanted the interpretation to be since that the first baseman was not being held on and that the first baseman caught the ball, that this should be a balk. i stuck with my gun and consulted my partner, in which we stuck with what we had, nothing. now i know high school has some wierd rules but ive always learned that if they throw to the bag and can make a play its legal. is this true?

[varela]

No!

[varela]

But you did stick w/your guns....good job;)

[Ken Allan]

Hi Art:
To answer your question...in the judgment of the umpire, the defensive team has to make a legitimate effort to retire the runner. So, if the 1st baseman is well back or well in front of first base, chances are the defense did not have a legitimate chance to retire the runner. It is still umpire judgment.

[Ken Allan]

Here are the top 10 umpires for 2006 as rated by the association.

Ken Allan, Paul Graham, Bob Lamb, Bill Lewis, Ken Mort, Dennis Miller, Steve Jennings, Don Capelouto, Eric Alhberg, Rick Tully.

[rtully]

Ken:
I think you made the correct call. As long as the baseman "has the opportunity" to make a play on the runner, this would not be a balk. Good call!