Nitpicking last episode...

I work as an amateur umpire in the summers so I have a couple of nitpicks about the Bette Midler episode. First of all, George should have been called out and also ejected from the game for running over Bette Midler. Also, umpires don't wear blue jeans. =)

In article [email] (THE ORANGE BULL) writes:

Since when is 'running over' the catcher who is holding the ball against the rules? Pete Rose bowled over Ray Fosse in an all-star game to win the game for the NL.

In article , [email] (gss5) writes...

Since we're talking about softball and not baseball.

1995 ASA (Amateur Softball Association) Official Rules of Softball and Umpires Manual page 104. Rule 8 Section 8 Article R:

[THE RUNNER IS OUT] When a defensive player has the ball and the runner remains on his feet and deliberately, with great force, crashes into the defensive player. EFFECT: The runner is out, the ball is dead, and each other runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. NOTE: If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender shall be ejected.

Happy now?

Right ON. as long as the catcher's in the baseline, or blocking the plate, full contact is fair game. I know from experience, there's nothing scarier than a short stocky bald guy with glasses running ay you with a full head of steam (not really, but it's fun to joke). You gotta stand you ground, and hold on to the ball. sorry, just rambelling. -joshman

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On 30 Apr 1996, gss5 wrote:

[email] (THE ORANGE BULL) wrote:

This was probably one of those celebrity games for charity, and not a league of any kind. I'm not sure what the rules are for softball or amatuer baseball but in MLB the runner owns the baseline including the plate. If the catcher wants to block home plate, that's their business, but the runner is well within the rules of the game to plow right into them. I've seen major league catchers knocked unconscious, drop the ball and the runner is safe. That doesn't mean he won't get beaned next time he comes to bat.

Under these same rules, George would be safe, provided he touched the plate. It looked to me like he missed it , though. I wasn't sure and I was waiting for the instant replay, but alas, none.

What bothered me a little was the speed with which Elaine managed to get from the softball game to the meeting with George's father at Monk's. One minute she was talking to Jerry, finding out that George's father spoke Korean, then she was at Monk's talking to Frank. The game was still underway. Typically, these celebrity games are only about 4 to 6 innings. And this game ended rather abruptly. Where did Elaine find the time to get hold of Frank, arrange to meet him 'immediately' (I guess he didn't have the good parking spot) and then get to Monk's. I'm not familiar with the geography of NYC but isn't Monk's in Manhatten and Frank in Queens or Brooklyn? Are they that close to each other? I know it's not that big a deal, but ...

Monty