March 25, 2016

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle:

A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.

posted by huddle to general at 06:00 AM - 3 comments

There was just an epic racquet break by Sam Groth at the Miami Open on Tennis Channel. Players should auction them for charity so the racquet's sacrifice was not in vain.

posted by rcade at 12:08 PM on March 25, 2016

If a fly ball goes under the padding of the outfield fence, don't touch it. Even if you can reach it easily. Wave an umpire over in case it might be a ground rule double.

posted by rcade at 07:14 PM on March 25, 2016

This is always part of the ground rules briefing whenever I am umpiring a game. The outfield fences are not in the best of shape, and we will ask the home coach to tell us of any areas in which the ball can be trapped or roll underneath. Many of the fields are unfenced, and the grass at the margins of the field is allowed to grow. Balls have been lost, not just to sight, but lost for good (or at least some kid finds it after a week or two). What I will tell the coaches about balls under the fence or lost in the grass is to have the fielder raise his hand if he cannot get to the ball without moving something or cannot locate the ball immediately. I will then add the warning that time will not be called until the play is complete, and if the umpire (usually the field umpire, the plate blue is wearing too much gear, or like me is too old to run all the way out to the outfield) judges that the ball was playable, the play will stand. If the umpire agrees with the fielder, then it will be a 2-base award and any other runners will be placed as they should be by rule. I can't believe Cespedes doesn't know the rule. Maybe he just didn't feel like bending over.

posted by Howard_T at 09:38 PM on March 25, 2016

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