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| Oct. 2, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | First time for everything I thought it would be nice to have a thread that discussed situations that occur on the field that were the first time observed. This past week I was watching the game before us at BLD. The plate and mat are above ground level so when a pitch strikes the front edge it has the chance of bouncing straight up. What I saw was a pitch striking that edge and bouncing about 3 1/2 feet straight up. The batter tried to catch it with his front hand but missed, the ball hit the artificial turf and bounced up again. This time the batter took a half swing with the bat and tapped the ball to the pitcher. I was thinking the rule in senior softball was the same that used to be used in ASA (I believe). I thought the ball should have been ruled a fair ball but nothing was called and I don't recall if it was called a ball or strike. I checked the rule book and 6.15 states that a ball that hits in front of the plate will be called a dead ball and a ball. So, if it was a strike and this happened, should it be ruled fair. I sure that since he did touch the ball with his hand it may negate the fair call. What if a similar thing happens and it isn't touched?? |
| Oct. 2, 2015 TimMcElroy 942 posts | Once a pitched ball hits the ground or strike mat it is becomes a dead ball. That pitch cannot be hit and put into play. The SSUSA rule book does not have a section 6.15. Are you looking at another organization's book? |
| Oct. 2, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | I moused over TOURNAMENT, then clicked on rules, then downloaded rule book. It's 6.15 under Playing Rules. 6.15 • SHORT PITCH A pitched ball hitting the ground in front of home plate is a dead ball. A ball shall be called on the batter. |
| Oct. 2, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Has anyone seen this rule invoked? 6.16 • WIND OR SUN AFFECTING BOTH PITCHERS In significantly windy conditions, if, in the judgment of the umpire, the wind is having a discernible adverse effect on the accuracy of both pitchers, the umpire may declare that only strikes count. In the case of sun interference potentially affecting the pitcher’s safety, the umpire may invoke a short suspension of play. EFFECT: Softball is an outdoor game played in the elements. Sun position affecting the batter is not a potential safety issue and shall not be the basis for a suspension of play. |
| Oct. 2, 2015 STL0 Men's 60 230 posts | Bruce: If I recall, there was a fight in the 40s division in Vegas somewhat because of the 6.16 rule. If I recall correctly, the pitcher of one team did not think it was safe to pitch because of the sun in his face, the officials would not suspend the game and then the 2 teams had words which ended in fights and suspensions. I've never seen 6.16 used anywhere though. It seems like danger to the pitcher would be a good thing to call. You should be able to play through most wind conditions. Before everyone rails on me. I am playing senior ball so I'm old and my memory of the events last year may not be correct so take it easy on me if I'm wrong. |
| Oct. 2, 2015 mck71 Men's 60 344 posts | Sun in pitchers eyes happened to us this year. Was a BIG issue and IMO, we should have never started the game (umpires call not ours). We played a few innings and it was pretty crazy (pitcher couldn't even see the plate) then finally moved to another field. Will say that at no time did umpire say anything about the rule you mention, we just bitched and the TD allowed us to move to another field! |
| Oct. 2, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Stl0, I like your disclaimer! |
| Oct. 2, 2015 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Re: STLO's post on the SUN issue. Back in either '06 or 07 I was in St. G pitching for Stefco Silver Stix 55's out of ON, CA when the sun became a deadly issue. batters couldn't see the ball coming in that pitchers faced the same. About second inning I pitched a ball and never saw it from there. The UMP stopped the game and told me it just missed by had at ear level. He had the BALLS to delay tha game for about 10 minutes. He is the only UMP I've seen let alone heard about doig that. |
| Oct. 2, 2015 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | This year at Desert Breeze the sun was an issue for the left side of the infield. It was the directors call to delay play, we sat for 20 minutes until the sun set and it was safe to play. He came out about every 10 minutes until it was deemed safe. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 Graphite 56 posts | At Mesquite last year, play was suspended until the sun set. The opposing pitcher and I both told the TD and ump that it was dangerous and they had no problem with suspending play. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 GRC19 7 posts | Shadow Rock Field #1 had sun issues and probably should have been delayed but both teams played through it for 3 innings until sun got behind the mountains. Lucky only a couple bruised shins but definately was plan of attack to pund left side |
| Oct. 5, 2015 GRC19 7 posts | Sorry POUND |
| Oct. 5, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Last year at Sunset Park we (OKI) were to play God Sports at 8:00 am. On this diamond the sun was directly in the pitchers and fielders eyes. We waited about 30 min or so until it was deemed safe by both teams and the umpire before play started. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | I saw this at Big League Dreams in Vegas, and even though I was on the team that received a favorable ruling, I'm still confused and think it was mis-applied. Batter hits a squibbler towards first base, and runs to the bag, safely past the first baseman who was vainly trying to corral the spinning ball. Home Plate Umpire called him out for touching the white bag instead of the orange bag, even though there was no play at the bag, nor was there any interference with the fielder. A TD was summonsed, along with a tournament UIC, and it was ruled, "the runner had no reason to run across the white bag." and hence the ruling on the field was affirmed. As a career first baseman I take umbrage with those that run across the white bag while I am affixed to it, however this one had me shaking my head.!! |
| Oct. 5, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Paul, a correction. The pitcher (was it Mike?) fielded the ball but never threw it. I was surprised at the call because I didn't think there was a "play at first", meaning I thought the runner could hit the white bag. I enjoyed playing with you!! Bruce |
| Oct. 5, 2015 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | Yeah, it was Mike, the pitcher,you left handers all look a like to me!!! Oh wait, dang... I AM a left hander too! The pleasure goes both ways my friend, I enjoyed our time on the field together. I especially enjoyed it when YOU pitched!!!! |
| Oct. 5, 2015 Dbax Men's 65 2100 posts | I was in the stands and saw this play. The pitcher, first baseman and runner all were converging on first base. The pitcher attempted to field the ball but could not make the play. The entire idea of the orange safety bag is to avoid collisions. I believe the runner should have touched the orange bag and the call was correctly made. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 wagon487 Men's 55 578 posts | I'm still amazed the anyone touches the white bag. I just shake my head when I see. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 DieselDan Men's 75 600 posts | At the Snow Canyon Complex in St. G, fields 3&7 are first used at 9:50AM because of the sun. At Little Valley, fields 1&3, first games at 9:50AM also. While playing on field 3 today at the Canyon complex, I still needed my welding glasses in the OF during the 9:50 game. |
| Oct. 5, 2015 Paul P Men's 65 53 posts | Dbax and wagon, I'm in agreement, the orange bag should always be touched, but the rules don't state that, they refer to a play being made at the bag. In this case, there was no play at the bag. Again, I was on the team with the favorable ruling, but still ... Ahhh, Senior ball ... Its what keeps us young! |
| Oct. 5, 2015 DCPete 409 posts | The other team should have protested the game at that point since this was an incorrect call by the umpire (see Page 61 of Rule Book) & is Not even an umpire judgment call when there is no play made at 1st base. |
| Oct. 6, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Wagon, I am not surprised at the number of players that still hit the white bag when there is a play. A player for WE Ruth decided that he would run across my leg instead of hitting the orange or white bag, he had to have been a 12" inside the white bag. I told him it was a cheap shot and he had nothing to say. |
| Oct. 8, 2015 Pgh Yinzer Men's 60 27 posts | I as an ump suspended play last yr at Huntsman Games.. Was pitch in Hemet about 4-5 yrs ago and had sun directly in my eyes. Couldn't see ball once I pitched.. I'd turn and run towards 2nd hoping it didn't come back at me.. Ump wouldn't delay play but next game was moved to another field.. Luckily nobody got hurt,especially me.. Ha ha |
| Oct. 9, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | Back to the orange bag for a second. Again this year we had to play at fields with NO orange bag. I understand that happens, but I very strongly resist the idea that the player is out for hitting the white bag IN THAT SITUATION. We all played with just the white for many, many years before the orange bag came around. When I am trying to beat out a ground ball, I do not think about the fact that I have to run past the base and not hit the bag. It has been ingrained in me for literally thousands of games to touch the base as I go by. I was called out on that last year, and I feel sure it would have happened again this year, had I been trying to beat one out. Please, SSUSA, insure we have orange bags at every complex, or just go back to playing regular softball when they are unavailable. Thanks! |
| Oct. 9, 2015 Joncon 328 posts | """ situations that occur on the field that were the first time observed.""" 1) A coyote picked up a home run ball and took (presumably) to his den (North Phoenix desert). 2) A pack of (maybe 10?) Javalinas wandered through the outfield in North Scottsdale. 3) Not senior ball but, a brand new enthusiastic rookie player finally gets a hit after several at bats. It was a fly ball and the runner on 1B wasn't sure if it was going to be caught so he was "half way". The rookie passed him at full speed, rounded second and slid head first into third. 4)For the first time ever, the lights went out during league play TWICE this season. We have a very reliable grid here. It was an operator error thing. Everything is remotely controlled by an energy management company somewhere. And finally, the umpire got every call right, no one complained about anything and no one got hurt. That one ^ hasn't happened yet. |
| Oct. 12, 2015 STL0 Men's 60 230 posts | We had a ball bounce off of our outfielders glove while running towards the fence which catapulted it about 12 feet out of the part for a game ending, walk off, 4 base error last year in a tourney. I hadn't seen a game end like that one before. |
| Oct. 12, 2015 16wood Men's 65 77 posts | Outfielder must have had the 'over'... BW |
| Oct. 12, 2015 STL0 Men's 60 230 posts | 16 Wood. I think he had that and the other team for the outright win. What he did was almost impossible to do. I say ALMOST impossible because I saw it. Other than that, I wouldn't believe it could be done. |
| Oct. 12, 2015 16wood Men's 65 77 posts | sounds as though it would be hard to teach... |
| Oct. 12, 2015 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | That's nothing. Canseco did it better…and he didn't even need his glove! |
| Nov. 6, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Here's another first time, this one was hilarious! I was filling in on a young guy's league team, playing first base. I only knew two of the players. The second baseman, thirtyfive-ish, told me he had never played second before and we both just chuckled. In the second inning with a runner on first and no outs, a soft line drive is hit to the second baseman, which he caught without a problem. I instinctively moved toward the bag but when I saw the runner safely return I stopped about six feet from the bag. Picture this, the runner is standing on first and is looking at the second baseman who has the ball. I'm about six feet from a direct line between the two. The second base man throws the ball to first, directly at the head of the runner. I was too far from the bat to catch the ball but the runner put up both hands and attempts to catch the ball. He misses the ball, knocking it down, loses his balance and falls off the bag toward the pitcher. I pick the ball up and tag the runner who is now about a foot off the bag. I turn and look at the base umpire, a young guy, maybe late 20's, and he gives the safe sign. I ask for help from the home plate umpire and he calls him out. I'm laughing and looking at the base umpire and he tells me he didn't have the heart to call him out! Everyone in the infield, both teams, get a good laugh. |
| Nov. 18, 2015 OZ40 549 posts | Back in the day while playing at Softball City in Detroit we had to hit the ground when a round of gunfire rang out near the parking lot area that butted up to a railroad yard. |
| Nov. 18, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Here's one for ya Oz: I was umping a league game for Mike a few years ago. In the third inning two police officers in uniform come up to the field and said "give us a minute". They then walked up to the pitcher and talked for about 15 minutes. While waiting a guy on the other team asked me to get the officers to leave so the game can continue. I thought he was being sarcastic so I just just chuckled to myslef. But guy was serious!! I told him if you can get the officers to leave go right ahead. The pitcher was placed under arrest, handcuffed and led off the field (allegedly for assaulting his wife). That put the team below the required number to play so I had to call a forfeit. Never heard of a team forfeiting a game because one of their players got arrested on the field-until then. |
| Nov. 18, 2015 swing for the fences Men's 50 1224 posts | Hey Omar, I had a good buddy of mine about 20 years ago... have the sun in his face playing right center field lose a line drive in the sun... it hit him in the forehead and bounce 20 feet into the air and about 20 feet back over a 16 foot high fence... I still can't believe that happened he was a good 15 to 20 feet from the fence... he was ok but it was truly an amazing bounce for an HR. |
| Nov. 18, 2015 k man Men's 65 326 posts | Our left fielder in our 60+ rec league turned around to run down a ball that was hit directly over his head. As he is running back he doesn't turn around and is hit by the ball off the top of his head. A few weeks later the same thing happens to him. He takes off after the ball but this time, he gets hit in the lower part of his head. After the inning is over we asked him about the play and his response was " I must be getting faster!" A good laugh was had by all teammates. |
| Nov. 19, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Stick, about 10 years ago while playing you the young guys our pitcher saw a county sheriff's car drive through the parking lot. Our player said he had to leave. Turns out he has an outstanding warrant and thought they were looking for him. |
| Nov. 20, 2015 curty Men's 60 187 posts | had a line drive deflect off our pitchers shoulder ( lost it in the mask) to be caught in the air by our shortstop @ Winter Worlds a couple weeks ago. |
| Nov. 20, 2015 stick8 1991 posts | Bruce, unless I misunderstood your post did that happen against a team I was on? |
| Nov. 20, 2015 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | lol, meant to read "while playing with the young". I guess I need to proof read. :) |
| Nov. 24, 2015 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | I still love the play about 6 years ago against Arizona Rogue where we had 3 guys trapped off base on the same play. With runners on first and second, our batter hit a single to right. The runner from second rounded third and then stopped half way home as the relay came in to the first baseman near the mound. The runner from first was half way to third and also stopped. The batter had his head down and charged into second, and then realizing his mistake, retreated toward first, but the first basemen with the ball was too close for him to return. Everybody stopped. For 15 seconds. 30 seconds. 45 seconds, at least a minute until finally the guy between second and third made a move toward second. The ball was dropped on the throw and all were safe. What a bizarre play! |
| Nov. 24, 2015 OZ40 549 posts | I remember Joe Rockhead showing up late for a game because he had sawed off his dad's finger and had to take him to the emergency room. |
