Simple Clarification Questions

Question
I play slow pitch softball for men's class D. My questions.
1) B-R hits ball it bounces off plate then hits B-R while he is still in the batters box, what is the call?
2) Can you define "travesty of the game" and what warrants this call?
3) Can you have verbal interference from the batting teams dugout, by making "cat calls" when fielders are trying to field the ball?

Thanks,

Josh


Answer
Hi Josh,
1) foul ball

2) I cannot give you a full definition.  I had an umpire write me and say that running the bases in reverse order is the ONLY rule that is a travesty of the game but  6-3 d doesn't in my opinion say that, it says to confuse the defense OR make a totg.

You know I don't think it really matters in umpiring.  I've umpired a few thousand games at almost all levels and never really had to explain why I ejected a player for unsportsmanlike-like conduct or making a totg.  Most of the time it's for uns-conduct...flagrant misconduct.  But does it really matter why the player is going?  If you think totg is too loosely or not defined, use unsc, either way the player is going.  I think it's a minor point unless you can give a specific example of what you think is making a totg that couldn't be considered uns-c.

3) interference can be verbal distraction but that is usually by a runner or b-r.  The book says offensive players in the dugout can be charged w/ interference if they interfere w/ a fielder's opportunity to make an out on a fly ball (poe33)but that is usually a physical type of interference.  I can tell you I've never called interference on just what you ask in #3.

Mark