D3K

[K'SDAD]

I was wondering if anyone has seen or used this tactic?
R1 on third zero or one out, batter has two strikes. Pitch hits the ground in front of homeplate batter swings bat around with no attempt to hit the ball, and heads to first trying to draw the throw. Saw it this weekend and it worked R1 scored. My question is it worth the time to teach?

[TulsaEliteGold]

I have seen this used many, may times by one team in particular with success and it works a lot. They use a couple twists that really make it work:
A) they do it with only 1 strike (which saves the batter from being out, but if the other team throws it is a Stolen Base); and
B) to really sale the deal, they have a sign that all the parents and other players all know and they all start yelling run, run, run.

It is hilarious to see this work. They have a couple other trick plays also that I have seen work, but I cant tell you what they are because they were so good we now use them. BTW, this was an 18U team and it still worked.

[wadeintothem]

I've seen that tactic for your situation and for straight just getting on base. Heads up batting and fairly common.

[umpinva]

A) they do it with only 1 strike (which saves the batter from being out, but if the other team throws it is a Stolen Base)

As soon as the batter head towards first I'm yelling: Batter, back in the box that's strike two. Defense is on their own after that.

[wadeintothem]

Well I'm saying nothing to the BR. Defense is on their own from jump street with me.

[Martin]

The batter has a set amount of time to enter the box, correct? If so, then if she leaves after 1 or 2 strikes in an attempt to draw a throw to 1B, she risks an additional penalty for failing to return to the box in a prompt manner.

Correct?

[wadeintothem]

Well, I'll just tell you straight up, youre not getting any BS calls out of me on this play. This one is on the defense. Defense has got to be awake... so if the coach is napping and his team is napping and you get caught, dont look to me to be standing there with a stop watch. I'll call the batter back, she'll come back, and we'll continue to play ball. There wont be a call regarding time to be in box, because she'll be there.

[Sam]

Well, I'll just tell you straight up, youre not getting any BS calls out of me on this play. This one is on the defense. Defense has got to be awake... so if the coach is napping and his team is napping and you get caught, dont look to me to be standing there with a stop watch. I'll call the batter back, she'll come back, and we'll continue to play ball. There wont be a call regarding time to be in box, because she'll be there.

This isn't on the defense...its on both of them. We have rules re: batters having one foot in the box while receiving signs to speed up the game...why in the world would you encourage this type of BS play by the offense...isn't it at least a charged offensive TO...the batter has no reason to break to 1B...unless it is to confer with the 1B coach.

Tell the catcher to nail the BR in the back if they do this....she won't do it again. Plus she's out for interference.

[Coachyof5]

Bush league. Umpire who lets it happen, worse than bush. There are enough idiots in the sport already, let's not give them more credit than they deserve running plays like that.

[wadeintothem]

This isn't on the defense...its on both of them. We have rules re: batters having one foot in the box while receiving signs to speed up the game...why in the world would you encourage this type of BS play by the offense...isn't it at least a charged offensive TO...the batter has no reason to break to 1B...unless it is to confer with the 1B coach.

Nope, thats stretching it. Youre not getting that.

ASA has chose to SPECIFICALLY not call this interference. The intent and specific wording of ASA rules require that defense are going to have to brain up on this one.

This exact play is discussed at many clinics.

No umpire worth his salt is giving you anything on this play.