Interesting plays in a good game

I was down at Wabash last night to officiate a varsity baseball game with Tippy Valley (Akron, IN) and Wabash. The game was actually a great experience. I worked with a state finals level official and I was able to work the plate for a pretty good game. Tippy Valley won the game 11-2. There were not many tough calls but there were a couple.

The first play was a batter that was hit by a pitch. It was a tough play because I heard it graze his shoulder but I didn't see it because I was blocked by the catcher. I was confident that it hit him because I heard a "double click" and the first "click" was not the bat. The opposing coach argued that it only hit the glove. I was pretty conifident in my ruling and I sent the batter to first base. Later on, I talked to my partner and he said I was correct in my ruling. Again, he is a state finals level official, I will take him at his word.

The other play was one I definitely missed but nobody complained or even said anything. The pitcher lost his footing while pitching the ball and the ball bounced on the ground and then hit the batter. By rule this is a hit by pitch and he should have been awarded, but I did not rule it that way. I just ruled it a ball and we played on. Nobody complained and the batter eventually was walked. It ate at me and I checked with my partner at the end of the game and it was what I suspected, it should have been a hit by pitch.

It was a great game. Both teams played hard and it was well worth the drive. Hopefully you all have had a great season so far. I have 3 more games this week. So look forward for more posts!