West Seattle Baseball Umpiring Basics - Mustang & Pinto - Read-Pause-React Yumps
Agenda Qualities of a Good Umpire Pregame tools, chat & checks Rules the more important» Mustang/Pinto» OBR Plate Umpire (PU) Basics» Umpire Signaling Base Ump (BU) Basics Umpiring Summary 2
Qualities of a Good Umpire Shows up on time Pays attention to the game Knows where to be and hustles Has good timing but not hasty Read, Pause, React Decisive and lets everyone know the call Works well with partner Knows the rules Has fun! 3
Pregame umpping tools Gather your Four essentials Mask Available from sheds Yumps must wear Catcher s Gear when behind the plate Ball-Strike-Out Indicator (both umps should have) Big 5 or Big Coach Chest Protector Available from sheds Home Plate Brush Big 5 or Home Depot 4
Pregame Chat & Checks Introduce yourself to your Umpiring Partner Review responsibilities Review signals Discuss problem calls and needing help Assure field is safe for play (raked, chalked, etc.) Always greet coaches from both teams 5 min. before game, shout Coaches Obtain game balls from home team Remind Coaches to count their pitches Ask if catchers will be properly equipped Review special rules as needed Pitching/Catching rules Mustang 3 rd base rule Pinto runners advancing rule Bat Size 5
Rules Rules Official Baseball Rules (OBR) Source: MLB Majority of rules come from here Most Important Definitions of Terms - Page 139 Ch.5 Playing the Game Ch. 6 Improper, Illegal Action Pony Rules Source: Pony Baseball Some rules come from here Most Important Ch.7 Playing Fields Ch.8 Equipment (i.e., bat) WSB Rules Source: WSB Specific League rules come from here Most Important Safety Specific for Pinto & Mustang All rules available on WSB Website 6
The Field Coaches Box 4 x8 Pinto Half Way Marks Mustang, 46 Pinto, 38 Pinto Pitcher s Circle 9 Radius Batter s Box 4 x6 3 Restraining Line rarely used- C L Catcher s Box 43 x8 - optional - 5 diameter on Deck Circle -close to fence- 7
OBR Strike (7 ways) Definitions Page 148 A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, whicha) Is struck at by the batter and is missed; b) Is where any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone; c) Is fouled by the batter when he has less than two strikes; d) Is bunted foul; e) Touches the batter as he strikes at it; f) Touches the batter in flight in the strike zone; or g) Becomes a foul tip. The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the kneecap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball. 8
OBR - Fair Ball Definitions Page 141 A FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair ground between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that is on or over fair territory when bounding to the outfield past first or third base, or that touches first, second or third base, or that first falls on fair territory on or beyond first base or third base, or that, while on or over fair territory touches the person of an umpire or player, or that, while over fair territory, passes out of the playing field in flight. A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he touches the ball. (Fair Ball) Comment: If a fly ball lands in the infield between home and first base, or home and third base, and then bounces to foul territory without touching a player or umpire and before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball; or if the ball settles on foul territory or is touched by a player on foul territory, it is a foul ball. If a fly ball lands on or beyond first or third base and then bounces to foul territory, it is a fair hit. 9
OBR - Foul Ball Definitions Page 143 A FOUL BALL is a batted ball that settles on foul territory between home and first base, or between home and third base, or that bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or that first falls on foul territory beyond first or third base, or that, while on or over foul territory, touches the person of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground. A foul fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the infielder is on foul or fair territory at the time he touches the ball. (Foul Ball) Comment: A batted ball not touched by a fielder, which hits the pitcher s rubber and rebounds into foul territory, between home and first, or between home and third base is a foul ball. 10
OBR - Foul Tip Definitions Page 144 A FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher s hands and is legally caught. It is not a foul tip unless caught and any foul tip that is caught is a strike, and the ball is in play. It is not a catch if it is a rebound, unless the ball has first touched the catcher s glove or hand. This is a foul, not a foul tip. A foul tip must be caught. Signaled by sliding right hand up forearm If caught, it s a foul tip; the ball is in play and base runners may steal. If not caught, it s a foul and the ball is dead. 11
OBR - Base Line OBR Rule 5.09 The Baseline is a straight line from the runner to the base the runner is attempting to reach safely. The baseline is not the direct line between bases 5.09 (b) Any runner is out when: He runs more than three feet away from his base bath to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely Example: after a solid hit and rounding first, the batter-runner heads for second and therefore establishes his base path to second (and also back to first if necessary). 3-ft. BR Not baseline 1st 12
OBR - Interference Definitions Page 143 a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. Most Common (in order of occurrence frequency) 1. Runner interferes with player fielding batted ball intentional or not, runner is out. 2. Runner hit by batted ball before passing infielder runner is out. 3. Batter-Runner runs outside running lane to 1 st base and interferes with throw to 1 st batter-runner is out. 4. Runnerdeliberatelyinterfereswith catch or throwsuch as to break up a doubleplay runnerand batterare out. 5. Batter-Runner deliberately interferes with catch or throw such as to break up a double play Batter- Runner and runnerclosest to home are out. b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder (catcher) which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. c) Umpire s interference occurs (1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. d) Spectator interference 13
OBR Interference(11 ways) 6.01 a) Batter or Runner Interference 1) Clearly Interferes with Catcher fielding dropped 3 rd strike. 2) Intentionally defects course of a foul ball 3) Batter interferes at home with less than two outs 4) Offensive team tries to confuse fielder 5) Put out batter or Runner hinders further play 6) Base runner intentionally interference with a batted ball or fielding of a batted ball to break up double play (runner and batter-runner out) 7) Batter-runner intentionally interference with a batted ball or fielding of a batted ball to break up double play (batter-runner is out and runner closest to home is out) 8) Base coach physically assists runner 9) Base coach tries to draw a throw 10) Fails to avoid fielder on batted ball or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball 11) Fair ball touches him before fielder has a chance to field the ball b) Fielder Right of Way The players, coaches or any member of a team at bat must vacate any space needed by a fielder to field a batted or thrown ball. If hindrance on a batted ball, batter is out. If thrown ball, runner is out. 14
OBR Obstruction Definitions Page 146 Note: only defense can cause obstruction (they obstruct the flow of runner) OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. 6.01 When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal Obstruction. 1) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached. 2) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call Time and impose such penalties, if any, as in his judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. The catcher may only block the pathway of the runner if (1) in the possession of the ball or (2) about to receive a legitimate, online throw - otherwise obstruction is called and Runner is safe. The runner must slide or attempt to avoid a collision if runner does not attempt to avoid a collision by sliding or avoiding, runner is out regardless of catcher s position. 15
OBR - Infield Fly Definitions Page 144 An INFIELD FLY is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare Infield Fly for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare Infield Fly, if Fair. The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. R2 R2 Infield Fly signaled by pointing up and shouting Infield Fly R1 1 R3 R1 Infield Fly applies if less than two outs PU signaling to BU Infield Fly Rule is on 16
OBR Batter is Out (19 ways) 5.09 Making an Out a) Retiring the Batter a batter is out when: 1. Catch - His fair or foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder. 2. Strike Three 3. Dropped 3 rd Strike with 1 st base occupied and less than 2 outs: non applicable in Pee Wee 4. Bunted Foul on Third strike. 5. Infield Fly. Non-applicable for Pinto 6. Hit by Pitch but Swings on Strike 3 7. Hit by Batted Fair Ball - his fair ball touches him before touching a fielder; 8. Bat hits Fair Ball 2nd Time: After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time (except ball rolling into bat). 9. Intentionally Deflects Foul Ball while running to first base. 10. Thrown out at First 11. Outside Restraining Lane. Runs Outside of Running Lane while the ball is being fielded to first base. 12. Infielder Intentionally Drops Ball to get multiple outs. 13. Runner Interference. A preceding runner intentionally interferes with a fielder attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete any play. 14. Runner hit in Strike Zone. With two out, a runner on third base, and two strikes on the batter, the runner attempts to steal home base on a legal pitch and the ball touches the runner in the batter s strike zone. 15. Hindrance by non-runner. A member of his team (other than a runner) hinders a fielder s attempt to a batted ball. 6.03 Batter Illegal Action a) A batter is out for illegal action when 1. Out of batter s Box. He hits a ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter s box. 2. Switches Box. He steps from one batter s box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch. 3. He interferes with the catcher s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter s box or hinders play at plate. 4. Illegal Bat b) Batting Out of Turn batter that failed to bat during his turn is out if noted by the defense.1717 17
OBR - Runner is Out (11 ways) 5.09 Making an Out b) Retiring a Runner - A Runner is out When: 1) Runs Outside of Base Path. He runs more than three feet away from his base path line to avoid being tagged 2) After touching first base, he leaves the baseline, obviously abandoning his effort to touch the next base. 3) Interference. He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or (unintentionally) hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball (whether intentional or not). 4) He is tagged - when the ball is alive, while off his base. 5) He Fails to Tag Up. He fails to retouch his base after a fair or foul ball is legally caught before he, or his base, is tagged by a fielder; 6) Force out - He fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags him or the base when forced to advance. 7) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed an infielder. This is interference batter is awarded first base. 8) Batter Interferes at home - He attempts to score on a play in which the batter interferes with the play at home. 9) He passes a preceding runner before such runner is out. 10) After he has acquired legal possession of a base, he runs the bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing the defense or making a travesty of the game. 11) He fails to return at once to first base after overrunning or over-sliding that base. 12) Does not Touch Home - In running or sliding for home base, he fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to the base 13) A play on him is being made and a member of his team (other than a runner) hinders a fielder s attempt to field a thrown ball. If Tagged Safe After Reaching Out 1 st Safe c) Appeal Plays - Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when: 1) Fails to tag-up. 2) Misses a base (runner may only return if ball not dead or following runner has not scored) 3) Does not return immediately to first base. 4) Does not touch home. Note: appeals must be made before the next pitch by tagging runner or touching missed base or before defensive team leaves field. 18
OBR Batter gets on base (12 ways) 5.05 When the Becomes a Runner a) The batter becomes a runner when: 1. He hits a fair ball 2. Dropped 3 rd Strike (N/A for Pinto or Mustang) 3. Hit by a bounced ball 4. Fair ball hits umpire or runner after passing a fielder. (Fielder does not include the pitcher) 5. Over the fence home run 6. Bounds over, under or through the fence - Ground rule double two bases 7. Line drive through fence - Ground rule double two bases 8. Bounding fair ball deflected by fielder over or under fence (out of play) two bases 9. Fly fair ball deflected by fielder over fence Home run if over outfield fence, two bases if over any fence into foul territory. b) The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out when: 1. Base on Balls - Four balls have been called by the umpire (Mustang only, N/A for Pinto) 2. Hit by Pitch. He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit (N/A Pinto Coach Pitch) 3. Catcher interference (or fielder Interference). 4. Runner/Umpire & batted ball interference. A fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play. Ball Ball 19
OBR - Awarding Bases One Base If batter hit by pitch or ball four (no base on balls in Pinto) If ball thrown by pitcher on rubber goes out of play If fielder deliberately touches pitched ball with detached equipment. Two Bases If the ball bounds or is deflected out of play (i.e. roles under or bounces over the fence) If the ball is thrown out of play if first throw from infield after hit, award bases from time of time of the pitch unless all runners and batter runner have advance one base, then award from time of throw. If a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with detached equipment. Three Bases If a fielder deliberately touches a batted ball with detached equipment. Four Bases Ball hit over the fence - Home Run. Deflects off a player and then over the fence Home Run. 20
WSB Mustang Specific Rules Safety First o Thrown bat: 1 st = warning, 2 nd = out, 3 rd = ejection. o Slide or Avoid: Runner is out he/she fails to comply. Must slide feet first unless diving back to a base. o Big Barrel Bats: Prohibited. Only 2¼ inch diameter bats allowed in Pinto/Mustang. o Pitch Count: 50 pitch max/game. o Pitcher/Catcher: Pitcher > 34 pitches cannot catch, Catcher > 2 innings cannot pitch. For the Good of the Game o Stealing: only after ball crosses plate. Runner may not steal while pitcher has possession of ball and on o rubber. Runners that leave early will be warned and then called out on 2 nd offense. o Dropped 3 rd Strike: Does not apply. o Infield Fly Rule: Applies. o Balk: not enforced but after a warning, ball should be added to count. For Time s Sake o Runner on Third: if a runner comes off base and stops, must return to 3rd at his own risk. May advance to home on defensive error (i.e., poor throw back to pitcher, wild pitch, etc.). o Five Run Rule: If behind, team at bat can go ahead by 5 runs; otherwise team at bat limited to 5 runs gained o per inning. Same for 6 th inning except limits change to 8. o Mercy Rule: if after 4 at bats the offensive team is behind by 15 runs, game over (If after 5 at bats the offensive team is behind by 10 runs, game over) unless both managers agree to continue play. o Time Limit: No new inning after 2 or 2½ hours depending if another game follows. 21
WSB Pinto Specific Rules Safety First o Thrown bat: 1 st time = warning, 2 nd = out, 3 rd = ejection. o Slide or Avoid: Runner is out he/she fails to comply. Must slide feet first unless diving back to a base. o Kid Pitcher during Coach Pitch: must be behind pitching plate and to one side of coach pitcher with at o least one foot in pitching circle. o Big Barrel Bats: Prohibited. Only 2¼ inch diameter bats allowed in Pinto/Mustang. For the Good of the Game o Kid Pitch - No Bases on Balls: after four balls, at bat coach takes over but inherits strike count. Can receive up to four more pitches. Batter is out if strikes out or fails to hit after four pitches (excluding fouls on fourth or greater pitch). o Kid Pitch - Count: 35 pitch max. o Coach Pitch: must pitch from rubber, standing or kneeling. Batter out after three swinging strikes or failing o to hit fair after six pitches (excluding fouls on sixth or greater pitch). o Runner may Advance: but only until ball is controlled by a player on the mound, hands are raised and time is called. Runners less than half way must retreat. Be wary of coaches and use judgment. o Stealing: Pinto players cannot steal this is a Pony rule. If runner is off base during a hit, runner is out. o Bunting: Pinto players cannot bunt or soft-swing during coach Pitch this is a Pony rule. Penalty is a strike. Bunting is allowed during kid pitch. o No balks, infield fly rule or dropped 3 rd strikes. For Time s Sake o Three Run Rule: If behind, team at bat can go ahead by 3 runs; otherwise team at bat limited to 3 runs gained per inning. Same for 6 th inning except limits change to 6. o Time Limit: No new inning after 2 or 2½ hours depending if another game follows. 22
Plate Umpire the UIC Position: behind plate, in the slot Follows the Golden and Silver Rules Golden Rule - Puts ball in play Silver Rule - Gets out from behind plate 1. Manages pace of game Limits warm up pitches to 8 for new pitcher or 5 for same pitcher Shouts hustle in hustle out between innings 2. Calls Balls or Strikes 3. Declares Fair or Foul 4. Determines Catch or No-Catch 5. Decides Safe or Out at Home 6. Checks of running lane violations 7. Assists at 3 rd Base when other runners are on 8. Helps partner on base calls but only if asked 23
Plate Ump Positioning (the slot) Follow the ball with your eyes only no head movement! Watch the ball all the way to the glove. If it s a Ball, stay in your stance and say Ball. If it s a strike, stand straight up and call* and signal Strike while keeping your head and eyes on the ball. *do not vocalize (shout strike) if the pitch was swung at and missed. 24
Signaling (8 total) The Basic Eight 1. Play 2. Ball 3. Strike 4. The Count 5. Foul 6. Time 7. Safe 8. Out 25
Play A ball is in two states: Live or Dead It must be put into play at start of each inning and after each dead ball situation Put the ball in play as soon as the pitcher takes his/her place on the rubber with ball in possession Make sure your partners is ready Point at pitcher and Vocalize Play this Golden Rule is an underutilized umpire s signal. It is very important in that it alerts all that the action is now live. It should be done at the start of the game, each half inning and after every dead ball and/or time out. 26
Ball & Strike Ball Pause Say Ball if anything at all Strike Pause Arm high or Point to Right Say Strike * 27
The Count Balls are signaled using the left hand. Strikes are signaled using the right hand. The count should be signaled back to the pitcher after each pitch and verbally as well after a couple pitches* The count is always read aloud as "two balls, two strikes" and not "two and two" Full Count is always signaled as "three balls, two strikes" and not signaled using clenched fists. Try not to look at your ball-strike indicator after each pitch it looks bad 28
Foul and Time Foul Ball Wait to assure the ball is truly foul Reach up with both hands Plate Ump Shouts Foul Time Same mechanic as calling Foul Vocalize Time and be heard Call made by any ump Base ump holds up Hands too Fair Ball Never call Fair out loud. Just point to fair territory 29
Safe Usually base ump unless play at plate Stand up Stretch arms wide Vocalize Safe if close play 30
Out Both umps Same mechanic as Strike Vocalize Out if close play 31
Safe or Out? Making the call Safe or Out Base Tag: focus on the bag, feet of fielder and runner. Watch and listen. Body Tag: focus on glove of fielder. Read-Pause and React 32
Base Umpire Basics Position: three field positions A, B and C Follows the Golden and Silver Rules Golden: Inside-Out, Outside-in Silver: Angle over distance Owns all base runners - but can be helped at 3 rd by plate umpire with one or more runners on base at time of the pitch. Calls Safe/Out on All Bases - except 3 rd when plate umpire helps out. Has base touch and tag-ups Watches for runners leaving early Helps partner if asked 33
Base Ump after a hit Golden Rule: Ball is in You re out..inside-out Ball is out You re in outside-in If a hit ball stays in the infield and is fielded by an infielder, BU stays outside and makes call from shallow outfield or in the dirt If a hit ball gets through to the outfield (either on a fly ball or ground ball), BU busts inside, turns to watch runner tag first and follows runner and ball to the play. BU should be set ahead of arriving runner. Only way to keep up with the runnersand be in position for the play Helps you stay out of the way of the ball coming in Aside from being the proper mechanic, it makes your life as the BU much easier! BU Example of Ball hit to Outfield Batter 34
Umpiring Summary F7 F8 C: all other situations B: Runner on 1st BU R2 BU F9 A: No One on Base 10 behind 1st R1 BU Base Ump Positioned at A, B or C Works Inside-out, Outside-in Uses Angle over Distance Makes Calls at 1 st, 2 nd and usually 3 rd Watches for runners leaving early Notes Obstruction and Interference Helps PU on foul balls Plate Ump Positioned at behind the plate in the slot Puts the Ball in Play Gets out from behind the plate on hits Calls pitches from the slot Calls catches Calls fouls Has plays at home Helps out at 3rd R3 B PU Both Umps Get in position before every pitch Read Pause React 35
Food for Thought Read, Pause and React Read the play by being in proper position (angle over distance) Even though you may be 100% right, some may question the call if they feel you were not in the right spot. Always watch the ball It is more vital to know just where a fly ball fell, or a thrown ball finished up, than whether or not a runner missed a base. Pause at least one second before making the call React and Make the call Be confident and be heard! Provide a clear umpire s signal (safe, out, foul, time, etc.) Keep the games moving Quick transitions between innings Umpires can help by shouting Hustle in, Hustle out to assist game efficiency Hold to 1 minute, up to 8 warm-up pitches new pitcher, 5 warm-up pitches same pitcher. Start on time, end on time Mistakes happen - stay focused on the next play Never even up by providing a make-up call Judgment calls cannot be argued Have fun! Umpires are to be treated with respect. There will be no complaining about an umpire s call. If an umpire hears any negative comments, is questioned in any way, or is treated in any disrespectful way, that constitutes a violation of WSB Code of Conduct.. Hopefully it s never necessary to remind coaches, players or spectators of the this statement in the Sportsmanship Code of Conductsection in the WSB Operating Policies, Procedures and Rules.