When did the umps start NOT to require the 2nd baseman to touch the bag on a double play?

Pharmboy ^ | 4-30-12 | Me

[Pharmboy]

I have noticed this for a LONG time, but I have never asked about it, nor have I ever seen it discussed.

I am watching my Mets against Houston, and the Astros have a man on first. Sharp grounder to third, and Wright backhands it and throws to Murphy at second, and Murphy is AT LEAST 1.5 feet off the bag when he catches it, wheels and throws to first; BUT the ump calls the Astro OUT at second.

When did this start??

[Pharmboy]

Has any manager ever called the ump out on this? Did this start 100 years ago or merely 30 years ago? Thanks for your indulgence...

[dewawi]

My Question is WHO CARES?

You are watching people paid millions to play a children’s game very well.

Get a life.

[hinckley buzzard]

In the National League, at least fifty years ago. In the American, not so far back.

[Doogle]

...the “close enough” rule has been around quite sometime

[loucon]

You need to check your glasses, or the ump at 2nd base needs to check his.

Go Cubs

[Tupelo]

Long before there were any Mets. Probably around the time of Tinkers to Evers to Chance.

[OldNavyVet]

The secret to that call is to watch the feet and listen to the ball hitting the mitt.

Been there, did that ... for 14 years.

[Misterioso]

Your the one who needs to “get a life” sir. Or is it ma’am?

[Scott from the Left Coast]

‘bout the time Ty Cobb lacerated a few shins with his filed metal spikes.

[Pharmboy]

I am too polite to say what a newbie loser you are, so I won’t. However, I will say that this does not reflect well on your parents for the way they brought you up.

[healy61]

He has a life and it includes baseball, so don’t rile pharmboy up. And welcome (03/16/12)to FR.

[treetopsandroofs]

I’m not quite an oldster yet, but I remember watching Willie Randolph putting many runners out by being in the area of 2nd base.

The first time I noticed it, I complained, and my dad said the umps usually call it for the fielder if he makes it look good.

[magellan]

When did this start??

Just before the NBA stopped calling traveling.

[Charlemagne on the Fox]

This, believe it or not, is known as the “in the vicinity” call—NOT in the rules but invented by major league umpires. What REALLY gets interesting are the handful of times each season when an umpire actually calls the runner SAFE because the fielder didn’t touch the base. Something like the George Brett pine tar imbroglio—ignoring a rule 99% of the time and then, for no apparent reason, enforcing it.

[Pharmboy]

Hmm...y’know, that makes sense. And, as you probably know, it was said that Ty used to sharpen those spikes.

[martinidon]

I read something some time ago that the league had started training umpires to not require they touch the base to reduce the amount of injuries. Probably a deal with the players unions and the league. Typical whinney sports egos at hand here. They get to pad their stats by not really having to do the play....

[blueunicorn6]

The second baseman has to touch Nancy Pelosi? Ohhhh.....that’s right.......she’s the old bag.

[MacMattico]

I've only seen it called in maybe the last 5 years? If they are in the “proximity” of the bag they call it. I think it's crazy that they don't have to touch the bag, especially on a game ending play. Even little leaguers have to actually touch second!

[MacMattico]

I've only seen it called in maybe the last 5 years? If they are in the “proximity” of the bag they call it. I think it's crazy that they don't have to touch the bag, especially on a game ending play. Even little leaguers have to actually touch second!

[detective]

This has been the way major league baseball has been officiated since at least the 1960’s. The reason is to prevent injuries. When a base-runner tries to take out the shortstop or second baseman the umps cut the fielder a little slack.

It is only done when the runner is trying to break up a double play by running into the infielder. It is done to prevent injuries.