Baseball Rules in Black and White's College Edition Nears Completion

We are very pleased to announce that the College Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White is very near completion. The manuscript is in the final editing stages and we are working diligently to make every one of the over 250 revised rulings accurate, conclusive and reader friendly.

Just like the High School Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White related rulings are under one chapter. Our unique enhanced rule book helps you the reader spend more time actually studying related rulings, rather than trying to find them.

Our College Edition has seventeen chapters filled with the most frequently called and most complicated related college rulings facing umpires on a daily basis. This College Edition is a one of a kind enhancement resource that will empower anyone’s on field confidence and rules knowledge.

By gaining a solid understanding of the complex rules that happen frequently, your ability to focus on all of the other demands of umpiring becomes greater.  Baseball Rules in Black and White creates better umpiring through enhanced rules education.

James C. Bettencourt 

www.baseballrulesinblackandwhite.com

  

Suicide Squeeze

In a suicide squeeze, the runner takes off as soon as the pitcher begins to throw the pitch, before releasing the ball. If properly executed, a play at home plate is extremely unlikely.

I have had more than one suicide squeeze play in my time umpiring and most recently last Sunday it occurred one more time. I always end up feeling like what the hell just happened, while wondering if I got the call correct. The dust around home plate was about three inches thick and the catcher was skilled. I mention the dust, because no one could see home plate after the play and seeing the plate is somewhat important in determining safe or out. Secondly I mention a skilled catcher, because his lightening quick tag was the only and last thing I could see as I was processing what just took place as I called the runner out. 

After the game I had a dad who also happened to be an UIC for a local youth association inform me he got the play on his phone and I got the call right. His son also played for the team the call went against and he showed it to them later. When the call was made they were not happy about my call, but after watching the video they asked that he not tell me that I got the call right. Honestly I was not sure if I had gotten it right or not, but it felt good to know one way or the other. 

Making a qualified safe or out call for a suicide squeeze is greatly hampered due to many things. We are first obligated to call a ball or a strike, then remove our masks, then clear the catcher, possibly the batter, try to get a good look in the dust and make a correct call, easy right?

If I took away one helpful hint, if only I can remember what it is the next time it happens, is to consider the location of the pitch. Low inside fast ball, skilled catcher and there is a good chance the runner is out and that is exactly the situation that took place. Pitches that are up, outside corner or off speed breaking ball and a timely tag is not as likely.

The “Hidden Ball Trick”

Simple, Complicated, Deceptive

This play takes place with a limited amount of frequency, but when it does it is often problematic or completely booted. 

Here is the simple part:

1. While the defensive player hides the ball.

2. Base Runner believes the pitcher has the ball and steps off base.

3. Defensive player with ball tags runner off the base, for the out.

Here is the complicated part:

1. For a “Hidden Ball Trick” to be legal the pitcher cannot stand approximately within 5' of the pitchers plate without the ball or it is a balk. NFHS Rule 6-2-5, Pg. 42

2. For a “Hidden Ball Trick” to be legal the pitcher cannot stand on any part of the mound without the ball or it is a balk. NCAA Rule 9-3-f, Pg. 91

Here is the deceptive part:

1. The play is designed to deceive “trick” the base runner into believing the pitcher has the ball, while another close by defensive player hides the ball in his glove.

2. The play can and does deceive “trick” unsuspecting umpires as well. (This is a very good reason to follow the ball all the way back to the pitcher’s glove or until time is called.)

Things to know:

1. Where and who has the ball?

2. Where is the pitcher standing when a tag is applied?

3. Is the runner out or is it a Balk?

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Baseball Rules in Black and White