Here are some email from the players on our team after our 1st game of the season:
Minh also got into a verbal exchange with one of their guys who took exception to Viet trying to throw him out at 3rd base after he thought the play was over (he was off the bag).
-Lyno
Another argument ensued after a double play attempt. The runner on first was halfway between first and second and didn't move out of the baseline as Keith tried to turn the DP. Rather than plunk him in the face, Keith tried to throw around him. The runner at first base was safe. When we argued for interference, the umpire (SOB had an attitude) told Viet to read the rule book. That started another argument between Minh and that dude.
So Dave, my question to you is this: Does "slide or avoid" only apply AT second base? A runner does NOT have to move out of the baseline if he isn't near second?
-Arnie
Towards the end of the game, he apologized. I could smell alcohol on his breath and he said he was just protecting his teammate when he reacted to my comments to Keith about throwing at the runner's head if the runner was in the way.
That said, I will plunk him when the opportunity arises. My throws can be errant to first.
-Minh
Slide-or-avoid is only at 2nd base; the rule is there to protect people in double-play situations. If they just want to plant themselves in the line of the throw, you drill them and GUARANTEE either a runner's interference call. Even if you don't get the call, the other team will know to avoid or die.
-Dave
I always coach my middle-infielders to throw through the runner if they are not down and out of the way when trying to complete a double play. If they aren't down and out before you throw the ball, they will be right after you throw the ball. Sorry I missed the fun, can't wait to play with you guys soon.
-Kendrick
This was a pretty solid game even though we got handled by a bunch of senior citizens. I knew right off the back that their 3rd baseman was a nutcase. In the first inning, he rednecked himself after I threw to 3rd base when he was clearly off the bag. I had already made eye contact with Minh (our 3rd baseman) so there was no way he was going to get nailed but he didn't see it that way. I reached 3rd base the very next inning and told him the exact same thing. Dude went quiet, and then hesitantly blurted out the play is over let it go. I agreed.
Game notes: The umpire was white and the other team was all white. The only white guy on our team called the other team "true definition of white-trash."
Their team also had 4 chubby dudes behind their bench (all holding Bud Lights), commentating on the game and firing out some funny comments throughout. I thought those guys were pretty damn funny.
Nam, Minh, Arnie, and Lyno all showed up late. We were one minute shy from forfeiting the game. Dennis, JR, and Jimmy were all filling in.
Hitmen next game vs Super Mex is on September 21st.
Anyway, here is the follow-up email from the league coordinator regarding the second altercation. It turns out that umpire is a complete moron. Needless to say I wasn't very confident when he straight up told me "to go check the rule book," so I shut the hell up and played on.
OK, THAT IS OUR SLIDE OR AVOID RULE. WITH A SITUATION LIKE THAT, YOU THROW TO 2ND FOR ONE OUT AND YOUR SS OR 2ND BASEMAN SHOULD THROW THE BALL TO 1ST. IT IS THE RUNNERS RESPONSIBILITY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. IF THE BALL PLUNKS HIM, THAT IS HIS FAULT. THE UMPIRE SHOULD HAVE RULED AN AUTOMATIC DOUBLE PLAY BECAUSE THE RUNNER DID NOT ATTEMPT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY.
Nick Hause
City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine
Adult Softball Director
570-1734
nicholas.hause@longbeach.gov
Boxscore:
Standings:
