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Details for Turning2


Real name:
Ronnie Ratliffe

Location:
SOUTHPORT, NC

Division:
Men's 70

Messages posted by Turning2 »Message board home   »Start a new discussion

Nov. 27, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Players looking to join a team
Discussion: Relocating to Ahoskie NC

Bill, get you started, go to the tool bar on this home page, click on leagues, click on mid-atlantic, there are 9 NC and 10 VA leagues listed, not so many in north east corner of NC but a place you can get started.

Also see below, really good guy that can also help -

Mid-Atlantic directors

Tim McElroy, Mid-Atlantic Regional UIC MD - potomacsports1@gmail.com 301-514-2676
Nov. 6, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: "The Pickle"

MS - You should cut and paste these local rules to allow supportive comments/conversations by BJ and the many other umpires that offer much assistance on this forum. I trust there is something being interpreted incorrectly as you have stated above a rule set that is entirely too confining or restrictive for play.

To my knowledge there is but one rule that prohibits direction or stopping the act of running by the batter/runner or any baserunner and that is 8.3.H in the SSUSA rulebook. Other than the running of the bases in reverse order making a mockery of the game is an automatic out also.

Not knowing the wording of your local rules, how would that rule set govern the play below: base runner rounds third thinking they could score, but throw comes into either catcher or pitcher cutting of the ball, he jams on brakes BEFORE reaching the commitment line and is going back to 3rd, the fielder that got the throw toward the plate then throws wildly to 3rd in attempt to pick off the runner, runner then changes direction and scores a run at the scoring plate or line. As you have described in your local rule set he could not score?? Bad rule or interpretation of your rule set.
Nov. 6, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: shipping more than 1 bat at a time

if you cant find a box specifically for two bats just use a single sized box, cut down one side, find another piece of cardboard, fold a 90 degree side to increase the size you need, tape it securely, and you're good to go. I've done several times
Sept. 27, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Batter out of the box

The batters box dimensions as currently used by SSUSA and most other softball organizations are fine as currently stated. Box is 4' forward from the first angle on home plate, thus 4' less 8.5" allowing 3' 3 1/2" for stride. Box is 3' reward from this same measuring point and typically never an issue. txnighttrain earlier spelled out this same forward stride length

The problem is twofold - first problem is bad enough by itself, the second problem happens entirely too often and is much more serious.

1- grounds crews many times just chalk in a rectangular box, no measurements are made at all, fix this and 95% of the problems go away. Managers should include a tape measure in their travel bag and simply measure the box before the game begins, show any errors to umpires and tournament directors and if necessary erase any forward lines that are erroneous.

Example: I'm 5'10", right hand hitter, stand with my right foot in line with the front edge of the plate and impossible for me to overstride and clear the front line of the batters box IF its chaulked in properly. Possibly a 6'4" or taller guy could overstride? Maybe

2- Umpires not trained properly or "you know the umps i'm describing next" The ump that wants to be a central focus point of the game, call outs anytime that he can. Any and all attending a game and are subject to an umpire continuously calling batters out of the box and becoming too much of a focal point know what i am referring to and that something is wrong.

An umpires primary job is to use good judgement and knowledge of ALL the rules to render a fair and equitable game to both teams. Address the batters box BEFORE the first pitch with the umpires and other officials and the problem goes away.


Sept. 8, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Rescinding the 11th defensive player rule

Fuzz - Some feedback per your request. I can feel your pain, i play middle or 2nd for an ISSA 70+ Major team and also love to hit it hard past the SS or 2B depending on their position and the pitch. Honestly without a middle fielder it seems like hitting/playing when i was a young guy, as well with continued good health and mobility i feel like my team would have a plus over other teams without a middle defensive player. I'm sure the intent is to have more roster players playing defensively and not just EH. You are correct with the middle being choked off and many more double plays being turned. Just give it a chance, find a player with a good arm, reasonable fielding skills and position FAIRLY close to 2nd and turn more double plays than the other team, and GOOD LUCK!!
Aug. 25, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Does the run count?

Two Rule sets apply - 1.1.A.5 which has NO requirement for the third out appeal to nullify a run scoring to be on a forced play. ANY of the infractions listed in the rule set that are appealed and produce the 3rd out appeal can negate a run scoring during the same play. Missing a base is one of these infractions, does not matter if a preceding or trailing runner.
Aug. 24, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Does the run count?

READ 5.7.B NOTE. don’t use part of a rule set, use the entire rule set
Aug. 24, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Does the run count?

BJ - this is a third out situation, not a timing play, maybe your buddy DD or maybe Tim will comment. I’ll stand by my position supported by the rules that I cited.
Aug. 24, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Does the run count?

BJ - disagree, per Rule sets referenced above, an appeal resulting in a third out in an inning nullifies the run as the original posted scenario is laid out. Read the rules and see if you don't agree. thanks
Aug. 23, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Does the run count?

Applying SSUSA Rule set 1.1 Appeal play, A.1 & 5 along with Rule set 5.7 Scoring of runs, B. Note, I have no run scoring.

An appeal may be made after a third out to negate a run scoring.
Aug. 4, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Intentionally Dropped Fly Ball or Line Drive

lb16 - you’re just not quite reading the full intent of the rule, the batter isn’t being rewarded, nor the defense being penalized, the umpire rules dead ball after he has recorded an out, “on a pop up or line drive purposely dropped or missed” with the usual intent to try to complete a double play if batter doesn’t run or other scenario that I laid out when 1st runner is in a quandary of running or not running. Hope this helps.
Aug. 4, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Intentionally Dropped Fly Ball or Line Drive

lb16 - 1.37 is written to prevent a fielder from allowing a line drive to hit palm of glove, drop to ground, retrieve throw to second base to force runner (runner who possibly had jammed on the brakes leaving first because he saw a hard or soft liner hit directly to fielder and didn't want to get doubled off first) then the fielder throws to second, second to first to complete an easy double play.

You are correct if the batter hits a pop up he should be running on the play and any intentionally dropped ball either touched or not would/should not produce a double play even though 1st runner is forced at second, batter/runner should easily beat the relay throw to first, providing he is running out the play.

The umpires judgment comes into play when, as an example, a soft liner is hit to 2nd baseman who rather than catches in air takes a step back, lets ball hit ground, fields, throws to shortstop for first out at second, then SS completes double play to first. This type of play the umpire can reward the fielding team for smart and athletic play and good ball judgment in how they defended the play. At the same time, if the batter runner gives it a 100% out of the box, he could still outrun the throw to prevent a double play.
June 28, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: High Top Cleats

good discussion string from few years ago that will help in decision making on whether to buy molded cleats vs turf shoes along with wide width available cleats

Message Board Home - Under the Change Topic - scroll down to Product Review, press Go then on second page, there is a discussion on Cleats May 30,2017 that is very informative - much discussion on how molded cleats are harder on Senior players feet, especially on hard infields, also the need to get Wide sizes, EE, EEE, or Extra Wide - Alan Tanner has good info on New Balance on one comment. I only use New Balance and have seen quite a few players switch over the last couple of years also, their shoes are wide, much more so than Nike or Boombah. and their durability is much better than Boombah, Hope this helps


June 23, 2023
Turning2
Topic: General and miscellaneous
Discussion: Dumb Question


A.D. STARR SPINNER TATTOO Softball (12" Urethane) Copy into Google

Dick's Sporting goods, many other discount outlets also carry them, we use these especially in the early spring
May 27, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Senior force out question

CW - DD clearly answered your first question, force play at home as well as all three bags, a force was in place and really not any way to add in the rules for more clarity. if you are asking about the commitment line, it is clear also by definition, if commitment line has been crossed, runner cannot return to 3rd base, neither can he be tagged by a defensive player, only the home plate/strike mat can be tagged for an out prior to the runner tagging or crossing the scoring plate or scoring line.

As for your bonus question, if there is no force play at the plate, the fielder reverts back to his training, check the runner back to third and get the out at first base. if the runner continues to run to attempt to score and crosses the commitment line simply throw to catcher to tag the home plate/strike mat before the runner tags or crosses the scoring plate or scoring line. Remember that you cannot tag the runner after he crosses the commit line. This might have been what you were looking for in your bonus question as the pitcher was fielding the ball and running to the plate which is also okay, doesn't matter which fielder tags the plate.
May 8, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Here is one I have never seen.

Grandpa is correct as well as the umpire in the original post, providing the shortstop is deeper than the projected base path from 2nd to 3rd. SSUSA Rule 8.2.C.1

As to a 5 or 4 man infield, this is mute point and no advantage or disadvantage on number of infielders, seldom if ever will the infielders be playing inside the projected base paths. Also, extremely unlikely for a runner to be hit with a grounder or line drive while standing on second base, but when this oddity does occur, there is a rule in place to cover. The rule as written favors neither the offense or defense.

April 17, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Slap hit

Umpire was wrong if she didn’t chop the ball down resulting in a high hop,and difficult force out at first on a quick runner, as well as anyone that would interpret the rule as anything less than a “swing” as poster clearly stated that the batter “broke her wrist during the swing” Sad that there are a growing number of umpires that get many applications of the written rules so wrong.
April 16, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Bats
Discussion: What is Rating for Senior Bat ( LUNCHBOX ) ?

Go to Senior softball bat reviews - Dave Velasquez currently shows as his second highest rated bat - or go to YouTube and enter the bat that you are interested in, chances are he has already rated, hope this helps
March 23, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: Verbal Interference

gh59 -Definition below copied from SSUSA Rule Book

1.45 • INTERFERENCE
Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes or
confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. A base runner must
avoid a fielder making a play.

if you are asking for an official rules interpretation on this subject from your 3/20 post (also copied below):

grayhitter59 said "OK, so let be specific. ground ball in the infield, player sitting in the dugout yells boot.

Verbal interference?

can staff or Dave confirm?"

the answer to Verbal interference? Absolutely not verbal interference

if you are looking for an answer to why a TD would seek you out after the game and tell you that it WAS verbal interference, just accept that they made a mistake. BECAUSE you don't know what story they were told. They may have been told that the runner bearing down on the fielder was shouting out BOOT BOOT which then becomes an umpires judgement call as others above have said in their response(s) above.

Sounds like you got a bit "butt hurt" as once again on March 23rd you are asking for an official rules interpretation on this subject. Refer back to BJ's comments where he quotes DD, (I'm going to steal a slogan DD always uses I'll know it when I see or hear it happen.....and i will add "that's the sign of a good umpire")
March 22, 2023
Turning2
Topic: Rules of the game
Discussion: 9. Make safety bag plays safer

i have delayed responding to this rule change hoping that SSUSA would possibly comment as DirkPitt has alluded to above.

Also the reasoning given by BJ and others is very sound. I agree that this change in the rule might negate the need for a double bag at first base, puts even more onus on the runner to avoid collision as well as to "require" the runner to change course but not the defender.

The use of a double bag at first is intended to give the defense a bag to tag and the runner a bag to tag thus minimizing the opportunity for a collision, at least i think this is the primary safety reason for the double bag. When a routine play is made the double bag has a home - safety first.

As this new "amended rule" is read by me and many others, you now just have a 1st base bag that is twice as wide as a single bag, 1/2 in fair ground, 1/2 in foul ground.

And now a source for possibly more disputed calls (fair or foul? did it skip over white bag or orange bag? did the defender tag the wrong color bag? did the runner tag the wrong color bag? or was his foot wide enough to tag a portion of both bags?) and more potential collisions.

Just some food for thought from another one of the older guys playing and still umpiring. thanks, RR


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