BASEBALL

When minor league umpire Justin Robinson, St. Louis, allows a defensive coach to visit the mound, he must know the rules and whether this visit is “free” or if it is going to require the pitcher to be replaced.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT CONFERENCES

Rules Governing Mound Visits Differ by Level

By George Demetriou

Visits to the mound were at one time a very simple matter. In NFHS, a coach got three free visits to be used anytime with no ifs, ands or buts. The MLB rule was also fairly basic with one free visit per pitcher per inning. NCAA was a cross between the two.

The NFHS simplicity has survived, but MLB has made recent tweaks in an effort to improve pace of play and that has resulted in a laundry list of exceptions to the basic rule. Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules.

Entitlement

The basic allowance in NFHS is three charged conferences for a regulation game to allow for a coach to confer with defensive players. In NCAA, each team is allowed six defensive conferences per game, no more than three of which may include a coach. In both codes, once the allowed conferences are used, the pitcher must be removed on any subsequent visits to the mound. In extra innings, each team receives an additional conference per inning and only in NCAA do the unused conferences carry over from regulation play (NFHS 3-4-1; NCAA 6-5f, 9-4a). In pro, a second visit by the manager or coach to the same pitcher in the same inning triggers the pitcher’s automatic removal from the game (5.10l2).

In NCAA and pro, there is also a limit on chats between pitchers and position players. The rule was instituted to cut down confabs between the pitcher and catcher. The NCAA defensive conference rule listed above covers this ground. In

pro, mound visits without a pitching change are limited to five per team, per nine innings. In extra innings, the rule is one visit per inning with a carryover of unused trips from regulation play (5.10m1).

Play 1: In the first extra inning, Smith, whose coach (or team) had two charged conferences in regulation play, gets another visit. Smith continues to be wild and when the next batter comes to plate, the coach makes another trip and brings in Green. Later in the same inning, the coach comes out to visit Green. Ruling 1: Green may remain in the game in NCAA and pro. In NCAA, the visit to Smith was that team’s third conference (which carried over from regulation). The visit to Green is the additional conference for the extra inning. In pro, it is the allowable visit for the extra inning and if there are any additional charged trips in that inning, they would count against the carryover. In NFHS, Green must be replaced. The regulation conferences do not carry over and the visit to Smith used the extra inning conference.

What constitutes a visit?

A mound visit that results in a pitching change is not a charged conference — the so-called “free visit.” Any visit by a coach with any defensive player is a charged conference regardless of whether or not that player subsequently talks to the pitcher. In NCAA and pro, a player leaving his position to confer with the pitcher, including a pitcher leaving the mound to confer with another player, is a visit, regardless of where the visit occurs or the length of the visit. If a manager or coach confers with another player who then meets with the pitcher before there is a pitch or another play, that visit also constitutes a trip.

If the pitcher appears to be injured, the coach may request permission to check on him. A good example is immediately after the pitcher has been struck with a batted ball. Such a trip is not a charged trip or conference, but the umpire should monitor the discussion to ensure strategy, etc., is not discussed. Any such chat should be immediately stifled and the coach warned that a visit will be charged if it continues.

Additionally, the following are not considered visits to the mound: discussions between pitchers and players that occur between batters in the normal course of play and do not require either the player or the pitcher to relocate; visits by players to clean spikes in rainy conditions if there is no discussion with the pitcher; visits immediately after the announcement of an offensive substitution; visits by position players after a home run, provided the player returns to his position before the runner crosses home plate; visits by position players during an inning break or pitching change, provided the game is not further delayed; visits during any suspension of play, provided the game is not further delayed; or any other incidental communication. Also, if anyone joins a mound visit already in progress it does not constitute an independent visit.

Bonus visit

In pro, if a team has exhausted its allowed number of mound visits, and the plate umpire determines the catcher and pitcher had a cross-up in signs, he may allow a brief mound visit.

Start and end

A coach conference with the pitcher begins when the coach crosses the foul line on his way to the mound. In NFHS and NCAA, it ends when he goes back across that line. In pro, the visit ends when the manager leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitching plate. Also, in NFHS a coach who has been restricted to the bench may participate in a conference by having the pitcher or other defensive player(s) come to the vicinity of the dugout. Such a conference ends when the player(s) begin to return to their positions (3-4-4). If a coach visits with his pitcher between half innings, it doesn’t count as a trip unless the game is delayed. If there is a delay, it is recommended the coach be warned that he will be charged with a trip on the next occurrence (3.4.1H). In NCAA, such a visit is permissible

who has been restricted to the bench may participate in a conference by having the pitcher or other defensive player(s) come to the vicinity of the dugout. Such a conference ends when the player(s) begin to return to their positions (3-4-4). If a coach visits with his pitcher between half innings, it doesn’t count as a trip unless the game is delayed. If there is a delay, it is recommended the coach be warned that he will be charged with a trip on the next occurrence (3.4.1H). In NCAA, such a visit is permissible

BY THE NUMBERS

3

The number of balks called against Miami Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier during the eighth inning of a Sept. 27 game against the New York Mets. All three balks came during the same at-bat, making Bleier the only pitcher since 1900 to accomplish that ignominious feat.

SOURCE: ESPN.COM

SIDELINE

Hairy Situations

An MLB player’s hair played a central role in two different umpiring situations during the month of September.

During the Sept. 9 game between Minnesota and Cleveland, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli asked the umpiring crew to check Guardians pitcher James Karinchak’s hair for foreign substances after the right-hander repeatedly touched his flowing locks with his throwing hand between pitches. Crew chief Ted Barrett ran his hands through Karnichak’s hair during the middle of an at-bat and found nothing illegal.

On Sept. 25, Cincinnati batter TJ Friedl was awarded first base after a replay review showed a high and tight pitch by Milwaukee’s Aaron Ashby missed Friedl’s face but clipped the hair flowing out from beneath his helmet. According to pro rule 5.05(b)(2), the batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base when “he is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit.” The only caveat covered by rule is that the batter shall not by rule is that the batter shall not be considered be considered touched by a touched by a pitched ball pitched ball if it only if it only tou ches tou ches any any jewelry jewelry worn by a worn by a player. player.

TEST YOURSELF

In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 85.

1. With R1 on first base, no outs and a 1-0 count on B2, F1 fails to come to a complete stop and is called for a balk. His pitch is wild and eludes F2, going all the way to the backstop. R1 attempts to advance to third and is thrown out. a. B2 and all runners who did not advance are awarded at least one base. Return R1 to second base. b. The play on R1 stands and he is out. The balk is still “acknowledged” and the count remains 1-0 on the batter. c. Immediately call “time” when the pitcher balks. R1 is awarded second.

2. Daniel is listed as the DH for the pitcher, Baker, in the third spot in the batting lineup. In the fourth inning, Baker bats when it is Daniel’s time to bat and hits a single. a. This is an illegal substitution. Baker is called out and will be restricted to the dugout. Daniel is substituted for. b. This is batting out of order. Baker’s time at bat is nullified, Daniel is out, and the next proper batter is the player who follows Daniel. c. This move is legal. The DH role is terminated for the remainder of the game and Baker will continue to bat in the third spot. d. This move is legal. Baker can become the P/DH and continue to bat in the third spot.

3. With R1 on first base, F1 accidentally delivers a pitch off the side of his leg. The ball rolls 20 feet from the mound and stops before crossing the foul line. a. Balk. b. A ball is called.

4. With R1 on first base and R3 on third base and two outs, B5 hits a slow ground ball back to F1. F1 fields the ball and throws it to F2. R3 is ruled safe on the tag play at home, but F2 quickly makes a play on B5 going to first and B5 is out. a. Score the run as this is an intervening play. b. Do not allow any runs to score. subject to the 120-second count (App. F). In pro, it is a charged visit.

If the offense asks for “Time,” and a coach visits the pitcher, it counts as a trip or conference in NCAA and pro, but not in NFHS. However, NCAA rules specifically allow a coach to chat with his pitcher during a prolonged injury timeout without a charged conference. In a prep game, the coach may come out and talk to his pitcher during an offensive conference as long as the game is not delayed. In pro, there are no exceptions — all defensive visits are charged (NFHS 3-4-5; NCAA 9-4a6; pro 5.10m2).

Restrictions and repercussions

In NFHS, available conferences can be used at any time including during the same at bat with the same pitcher. However, if the visit mandates the pitcher’s removal, he must be removed from the pitcher’s position for the duration of the game (3-4-1). In pro, a second trip can be made in the same inning to talk to the same pitcher, but the pitcher must be removed from the pitcher’s position for the remainder of the game (5.10l2). A second trip cannot be made in the same inning to talk to the same pitcher while the same batter is at bat, except if there is a pinch hitter, then the second trip is legal, but the pitcher must be removed from the game. For purposes of this rule, the next batter is the batter as soon as the previous batter finishes his at bat (5.06l3, 5.06l4). The coach need not wait for the new batter to step into the box before coming out. NCAA is the same as pro, and the removal parameters also apply if it is the fourth conference for a coach. The pitcher need not be removed from the game, but must be removed from the pitcher’s position for the remainder of the game (9-4b, 9-4c).

Play 2: B5 draws a walk to load the bases. As B6 steps to the plate, the coach comes out to visit F1 for his first conference. F1’s next two pitches to B6 are in the dirt; the coach returns. Ruling 2: Legal in NFHS, but not in NCAA or pro.

If an attempt is made to visit the pitcher in violation of the rules, the umpire should so advise the coach. If the coach continues to the mound, the only recourse is ejection. If the coach is mistakenly allowed to go to the mound for a conference that dictates removal of the pitcher, there is no penalty. In either case the pitcher may remain until the batter completes the turn at bat and the umpires should announce the consequences so a new pitcher can warm up.

In NCAA and pro, if the noncoach conferences have been used and an infielder requests time to talk to the pitcher, the umpire should remind him no conferences remain. Preventive officiating is paramount and it’s important for base umpires to know the number of visits taken. Inadvertent conferences should be immediately stopped without penalty. If an extra conference is held, the non-pitcher is removed from the game; however, if a player continues to confer in defiance of authority after an umpire has advised no visits are remaining, the player is ejected. George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the state’s rules interpreter. 

In NFHS and NCAA, a defensive conference between a coach and pitcher ends when the coach crosses the foul line on the way back to the dugout. In pro, the conference ends when the coach leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitching plate.

NFHS POEs for 2023

The following points of emphasis (POEs) for the 2023 season were crafted by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee during its annual June meeting and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors in July.

The POEs are all considered to be of equal importance and appear in no particular order.

Sportsmanship

Good sporting behavior is one of the fundamental ingredients to the continued success and enjoyment of education-based high school sports and activities. NFHS playing rules are written to encourage sportsmanship, and participation in these programs should promote respect, integrity and sportsmanship.

There must be a collaborative, working relationship between umpires and game administration to promote good sportsmanship and safely conduct the game. Everyone has their roles to play in creating a positive, sportsmanlike atmosphere at games.

Umpires should focus on the actions of players, coaches and other bench personnel. A positive, open line of communication between umpires and coaches ultimately results in a better game for everyone involved. Umpires should not, however, engage with spectators who are exhibiting unsporting behavior. Once the game begins, school administration is responsible for dealing with unruly spectators. A proactive approach by school administration includes monitoring the behavior of spectators and intervening as needed. If spectators are using demeaning or profane language at umpires, or others in the stands, those individuals should be removed from the contest by school administration.

The use of demeaning language, or hate speech, by students, parents and other fans must cease. High schools must establish a culture that values the worth of every single person — both players on the school’s team and players on the opposing team. There must be a no-tolerance policy regarding behavior that shows disrespect for another individual.

Obstruction and Interference

There are many nuances to both obstruction and the multi-layers of interference.

Simply stated, obstruction is any act — accidental, intentional, verbal or physical — by any fielder or member of the defensive team that hinders a runner or affects the pattern of play. Interference is very similar and addresses any act, verbal or physical, by the team at bat that impedes, hinders or confuses any defensive fielder attempting to make a play.

Coaches, umpires and players have a role in understanding the rules related to each of these violations. Because both violations are sportsmanship-centered at their core, the penalties — which are some of the sternest in the NFHS rules code — are commensurate to the overarching concern regarding fair and equitable play in interscholastic baseball.

Jewelry

This year’s rule change that eliminates the prohibition against jewelry will permit players to freely wear items including medical alert bracelets and some religious, cultural or tribal adornments (PlayPic A).

However, any jewelry that contains profanity, taunting, language to intimidate or baiting an opponent is still not allowed under various sportsmanship rules, and bench and field conduct policies (PlayPic B). Rules coverage also remains to prohibit any item that presents a danger to the player, a teammate or opponent.

Usage of Eye Black

Eye black was originally introduced to help players reduce glare from the sun. However, the high school game is now experiencing the use of eye black for face decoration, with images and/or sayings being drawn on the faces of players to try to intimidate and/or taunt an opponent (PlayPic C).

There are existing sportsmanship rules available to mitigate any use of eye black (in any version) in an inappropriate or unfavorable way. Coaches are encouraged to direct their players to use this tool in a more productive way. 

A B

C

CASEPLAYS

No Stop

Play: With no runners on base, F1 is in the set position. During his delivery, F1 changes direction, but does not come to a complete and discernable stop. Ruling: In NFHS, it does not matter if there are no runners, the pitcher must come to a complete stop when using the set position. In NCAA and pro, if the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher need not come to a complete and discernible stop (NFHS 6-1-3; NCAA 9-1b Note 2; pro 6.02a13 Illegal Pitch Definition).

Mad Dash

Play: With no runners on base, B1 takes a called third strike. B1 heads for his dugout, not realizing F2 dropped the pitch. F2 then throws the ball wildly toward first. B1 heads for first and makes the base safely. Ruling: In NFHS, B1 is out only if he reached the dugout before breaking for first. In NCAA and pro, B1 is out once he leaves the dirt circle of the plate area before breaking for first (NFHS 8-4-1i; NCAA 7-11u; pro 5.05a2 Cmt).

Play or Not?

Play: With R2 on second, B2 grounds to F6. F6 fields the ball and chases R2 back toward second. He then swipes at and misses R2, and throws wildly to first into dead-ball territory. Before F6 throws, B1 touches first. Ruling: F6’s throw was the second play by an infielder, so B2 is awarded third and R2 is awarded home. Although chasing R2 back to second is not a play, attempting to tag him is a play (NFHS 8-3-5; NCAA 8-3o3 Note 2; pro 5.06b4G AR).

Costly Assistance

Play: With R3 on third and one out, B3 flies to deep left field. The third-base coach grabs R3 and pulls him back to third to tag up. Ruling: The ball remains live. Regardless of whether or not the ball is caught, R3 is out. If the ball falls in and B1 ends up at second, he may remain there. If the ball is caught, two are out (NFHS 3-2-2; NCAA 2-51, 3-3e, 8-5f; pro 5.03c).

I Like You, You Like Me …

By Jon Bible

In my career I was blessed to have many partners with whom I enjoyed working. There were also a few at the other end of the spectrum. How can we get other umpires to put us in the first group? Here are some thoughts, in no particular order of importance except for the first one, which is No. 1 on my list.

Have your partner’s back

Years ago, I ejected a coach. Instead of leaving, he walked down the thirdbase line, stood there and yelled at me. Eventually, after I threatened to forfeit the game, some of his players dragged him off the field. What did my partner (in a two-umpire crew) do? Nothing. He stood behind first base without moving a muscle. When we got to the dressing room I verbally undressed him; fortunately, I was in a position to ensure I never worked with him again.

Want to be the umpire no one wants to work with? Act like that partner. After I ejected the coach, he should have come in to get him to leave the field, just as he should have policed the dugout if they were giving me grief, which they weren’t. Once, after I tossed a manager in pro ball, it took my partner 28 minutes to get him off the field, but he eventually did.

Take care of business

I don’t want to work with umpires who won’t enforce the rules — not hyper-technically, but in light of their intent, call balks and interference, eject coaches or players when necessary, and the like — because they’re scared of getting the grief that may follow.

If you won’t take care of business, I have to. I can’t count the number of times in my career where I, or someone in my crew, enforced a rule prohibiting X only to have the coach tell me that they’ve done X all year and no one has said anything about it. Who comes across as the bad guy then? Why should I have to take the heat

See “Good Partner” p.62

Being a good partner means having your partner’s back on the field. If either Jeff Gabrielson, Riverside, Calif. (left) or Carlos Astorga, Canoga Park, Calif., has a troubling situation on the field, the other needs to step up and provide support.

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Good Partner

continued from p.60

when you were too gutless to do what needed to be done in the first place?

Use the prescribed mechanics

I had a friend (now deceased) who was a good umpire, but as he gained weight he made his crews use improvised mechanics designed to cut down his running. Because he had seniority, the younger umpires had to go along, and it left a bad taste in their mouths. It also jeopardized their careers, because if someone who could help them advance was at a game and didn’t know the circumstances, that observer might have inferred the crew just didn’t know proper mechanics. This could hurt an aspiring young umpire.

When you won’t use the prescribed mechanics you put everyone else in a bind. Now, instead of reacting instinctively when the ball is hit, people must think, and that can be deadly. X may be the one who messed up, but Y may get blamed for it. Mavericks also create the risk of a confrontation with umpires who want to do the right thing; indeed, I’ve seen things escalate to the point that people almost ended up in a fight. Who needs partners who cause problems like this?

Be on time

When we’re late to the site, our partner(s) may get antsy. I’ve had people show up so close to game time I feared I may have to work alone, which is unsettling to say the least and forces us to take the field without a pregame chat. Sometimes we can’t avoid being late, but don’t make a habit of it. Plan things so you get to the field (the right one — partners have gone to the wrong place) in enough time so that everyone is relaxed and there’s time to prepare. If you know you’ll be late, have your partner’s cell phone number so you can let him or her know.

As an aside, when I was a supervisor I surveyed college coaches about things that irritated them. You may think judgment would top the list. Not so. First was umpires talking too much to their players. Second was umpires showing up so late that their pitchers didn’t know when to start warming up or the game didn’t start on time.

If plate and base assignments haven’t been made so that you and your partner must work it out, arriving late may leave said partner no option but to strap on the gear. Put your partners in a position where they have no choice but to work the plate enough times and you’ll get the reputation that you’re too chicken to handle the hardest part of umpiring. In the same vein, don’t be the umpire who says, “Gee, I forgot my plate gear.” Very little used to tick me off more than being paired with someone who did this.

Don’t badmouth others

Umpiring and gossip go together, but don’t let it degenerate into snarky comments about how X screwed up a call, is in the assigner’s doghouse, etc. If you’re eager to tell your partners about some mess X is in, why should they assume you won’t tattle on them if they pull a boo-boo? Umpires who get labeled as tale-carriers or, worse, backstabbers, aren’t in demand as partners.

Have a good attitude

Umpiring can be tough when a crew member has a crummy attitude. This can drag down the others, and the affected individual may not be as focused as he or she should be. When we show up to work, we should put aside whatever problem is bothering us. If we all take the field with a positive attitude, we’re likely to turn in a better individual and collective performance.

Don’t whine

Don’t complain about assignments or umpires who get games you think they don’t deserve because they’re suck-ups. This is tiresome to those around you. If you start down this road, there will hopefully be some internal mechanism that says, “Shut up!” before it’s too late. Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, worked seven NCAA Division I College World Series. In 2019, he was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock, Texas. 

Be Careful About the Over-Commit

No one can argue there aren’t flaws in the two-person umpiring system. After all, if there weren’t, there would be no need to work games with three, four or six umpires instead.

With four bases to account for and just two sets of eyes on the field, there are going to be situations where an umpire just doesn’t get the best look at a particular play and must determine what sacrifices need to be made in order to cover all of the action. Here is a perfect example:

Play: Bases loaded, less than two outs, a fly ball hit to deep right-center field.

Coverage: First, let’s discuss prepitch alignment. The base umpire will be in the C position, on the shortstop side of the infield between the pitching mound and second base.

Next, let’s cover responsibilities on this play. For the plate umpire, it’s pretty simple. PU has responsibility for the tag-up by R3 at third base and any possible plays at the plate. Given this is a deep fly ball to an outfield gap, the ensuing play after the catch is likely not going to be at the plate, as R3 should score easily.

Things are much more complicated for the base umpire, who has catch/no catch responsibilities while also trying to line up a look at the tag-up of both R2 at second base and R1 at first base. The reality is U1 cannot see all three things at once and must prioritize. The catch/no catch always comes first in the order of operations. Based on the location of the fly ball, the tag-up by R2 at second base is next. So U1 must find an angle to see both of these actions,

sacrificing any true look at what R1 is doing at first base. All U1 may get is a quick peek at first base after the ball is caught and R2 begins to advance to third base.

However, the fun is just beginning. What if F9, who catches the ball, makes a strong, on-line throw in an effort to retire R2 at third base? U1 does not want to get caught in a position in the working area with nothing but a view of a sliding runner’s backside on a tag play at third base. Ideally, U1 would be able to make progress toward what would be a 45-foot mark between third base and home plate, opening up a great angle for a tag play at third base. So U1 hustles from the working area behind the mound to this spot to get in perfect position … only to have R1 also decide to tag and advance at first base.

The shortstop cuts the throw, sensing a better opportunity to retire R1 than R2, and throws to the second baseman to make a play on R1. U1, having committed to a tag play at third base, has almost no look at what transpires, but is still responsible for making a ruling from close to 90 feet away. Talk about an “Oh, ---- !” moment.

However, it’s also a great teaching moment, serving as a reminder of how pre-pitch self-talk carries plenty of importance. As the U1, recognize the possibility of this play exists, and mentally prepare yourself to find the best position to rule on all possible plays that may develop. Make the working area your friend and find the best spot where you can rule on plays involving both R2 and R1. Do not overcommit to one play at the expense of another.

It’s not going to be perfect, but in this situation, perfect doesn’t exist. Recognize the flaws in the two-umpire system and work it to the best of your ability. Create a situation where you still have a shot at success instead of having to take a shot in the dark. 

CATCH

THROW

F9

R2

R2 R1

U1

U1

R3

BR

R1

R3

BR

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