Horrible ending to LLWS baseball game Season ending mistake in semifinals

During the 2015 Little League World Series Northwest Regional games, Cascade Little League in Vancouver, Washington, had experienced one of the most unfortunate endings to an All Star season during a semifinal game.
The rule 7.09(h) reads, “It is interference if in the judgement of the umpire, the base coach at third base or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists that runner in returning to or leaving third or first base.”

[@indycarr3964]

Absolutely the right call. I have made the call several times as a LL ump. As an umpire, I always took an proactive role in teaching the coaches the rules during the regular season, which I called the preseason. Just in case they reached this level, they wouldn't make stupid mistakes like this one. I wouldn't doubt the coach was telling the kid to go, and the kid was hesitating, so a gentle push was needed to get the kid to move. I've seen that too. Too bad a coach's error cost the season.

[@DooberD33]

Indy Carr really because I played all stars for HC in tooele in Utah and we won all our games so far but our team had 10 the other team had 11 and we had 2 outs I was batting and it was the last inning but when they got me with a 2nd strike the other team ran to each other and we’re all happy but no one called time the ball was in play and my runner from 3rd ran home but the umpire told him to go back but no one called time

[@indycarr3964]

@DaRubberDucki- I hope your coach played the rest of the game under protest, because the ump was wrong if no time out was called. Problem with LL, you're not dealing with the brightest lot, but their hearts are in the right place. The better umps springboard to higher levels. I wish you the best in your title quest.

[@flamez2799]

Indy Carr yeah right I bet like other umps you make bad calls

[@indycarr3964]

@Alejandro Sanchez- Gee, I don't think I ever claimed I was perfect, but I was damn better than most! That's why I was requested to do the 90' LL Junior and Senior championship games. Sure, I've made mistakes, who hasn't?

[@flamez2799]

Indy Carr well good cause I've seen other umps screw up and sense your honest I forgive you

[@skudzer1985]

gonna take a lot of pizza parties to make up for that one, coach.

[@amare7198]

Underrated

[@Get_Low]

Mediocre

[@emmadog8121]

😂

[@LucianDevine]

Truth!

[@Ant0417]

Absolutely the right call. No umpire wants to end an important game with a call like that but it was the right call.

[@sonnybowman]

You are right. The umpire could not not call it.

[@dionst.michael5818]

I do! I love effing crap up! Point of pride quite frankly! I like ruining people’s day! It’s AWESOME! So satisfying. Try it sometime. It’s addictive. Haha!

[@jamesoverholt878]

The real tragedy is a newscaster saying, "costed."

[@SarahDigsHockey]

Did it cost her a trip to Williamsport?

[@Jivvi]

@@SarahDigsHockey it costed her much more than that.

[@janglee8523]

lol I think I would have said that. I'm glad I learned something on youtube today. Thank you

[@jdolnick2741]

Never mistake a TV newscaster for a journalist.

[@jamesoverholt878]

@@jdolnick2741 I prefer the title they use in England.....presenter

[@lilvenice]

shoutout to the umpire who knew the rule.. ive never seen that before

[@AcDc61272]

lilvenice I had a 8U first base coach give a player a high five as he ran to first. “Out!.” Blue said it looked like the coach slowed the player down as he crossed the base. I had a good relationship with that Ump. With a smile in his face “Cant interfere with players coach.” Honestly, made us better coaches bc it never happened again. ⚾️

[@DooberD33]

lilvenice no the rule book says that if the umpire doesn’t call time then there is no time so the runner should have scored because the ball was still in play this happened when I played ball for state but my ump told the runner to go back but he shouldn’t have been called out at all that’s the wrong call cuz if it was technically timeout like they said the runners can move freely so you can’t call them out that’s a bad call

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

You are clueless ducky.

[@danielstith5227]

The call was on the coach Ducki. The coach touched a player on the field with a live ball. That is a clear violation. Now as an Ump I'll let a 3rd base coach high-five his runner on the way home rounding third on a blast to the corner, etc. but to 'control' the player? No that is a clear violation and the runner is out.

[@rosskolnikov]

Had it happen to me once coaching Little League (age 10) at 3rd base. Knew the rule but simply forgot. As it was early in the season, the ump gave a warning, and lesson was learned. But in a playoff like this, that was absolutely the right call.

[@alliance2020]

Good call, Blue. With forty years experience, I would have made the same call. In fact, while watching this the first time, I saw that physical prompt. "Coach's interference' for sure.

[@Equalizer241]

I call BS on the 40 years.....

[@davidgaleazzi792]

Umpire looking to be the center of attraction

[@63076topher]

@@davidgaleazzi792 So he should have let them cheat?

[@davej3781]

2:46 - no, no, the coach didn't assist the runner, he's a chiropractor and was giving him a spinal adjustment

[@saaamember97]

A spinal adjustment through the butt?

[@lanky2592]

@@saaamember97 Exactly! Don't question his profession, its not like a fetish or anything.

[@jonathanwilliams5235]

Daaavve cmon man 😛🤣. But seriously if you watch the end of this, it’s where and what the umps are doing as this unfolds. The home plate umpire didn’t even have his mask on and the other umpires are not in their places that they should be. The home plate umpire is about 5 to 6 feet behind home plate and if this play was still live, in which it is hard to say that it is, then the home plate umpire was out of position in order to make whatever call that he needed to make. Tough call to make if you can’t clearly tell if time had been granted or not. What I saw was the coach talking with the player then the runner took off for home. No assistance whatsoever. I sure could go for a chiropractic adjustment right about now. 😳🤣

[@davej3781]

@@jonathanwilliams5235 why does the umpire need his mask on unless the pitcher is ready to deliver a pitch to the batter? and yes, of course when play relaxes both players and umpires may get out of position as they wait for the next play, but that doesn't mean the ball is dead; the defense must maintain control of the ball and keep aware of what the runners are doing, while the offense must keep aware of where the ball and not drift off their base else they are liable to be put out. Finally if you can't see the base coach literally *shove* the runner towards the plate, then you must be watching some other video

[@jonathanwilliams5235]

@@davej3781 the coach did not interfere with his player. Nor did he assist his player as he attempted to score. When The coach was finished talking to his player his player then made his attempt to score that’s it. No interference.

[@danielstith5227]

Had one similar to this last Spring in a regional U12 championship LL game. I just looked at the 3rd base coach with a dropped jaw. I couldn't believe he actually grabbed his runner's jersey and kept him from advancing towards home during a scramble in the field. I give him credit that he didn't get angry at me in the least when I called him on it. He realized he had royally screwed up by touching the player.

[@KnickKnack07]

What WAS that coach thinking. He literally shoved him on the last one. Easy call.

[@georgesealy4706]

Gotta know the rules. I was a LL manager for several years. I read the rule book thoroughly before my first year. There were a number of situations where I prevailed with the umpires because I knew the rules really well. This particular rule is very basic and should be well understood by all managers and coaches.

[@allenatkins2263]

That's why you stay in the coaching box.

[@chriswebster24]

Yeah, and keep yo hands to yoself 😂

[@aaronaguilar9172]

the coaching box wasn’t the problem, even if the coach is near the runner , it’s fine as long as he doesn’t make contact with the runner

[@shritchie]

I agree with the call. By physically contacting him and not giving a verbal command, he assisted the runner in leaving third base by not putting the defense on notice so they could make the play. This is a situation where touching the runner assisted him in advancing to home, which the rule prohibits.

[@steveescher1554]

arent they allowed to use secret hand signals though? how does that alert the other team?

[@shritchie]

A hand signal is one thing, it’s the physical contact and guiding him home that’s problematic.

[@rex6142]

I love when the 3B coach starts shimmying. Coach was trying to steal the game, but ended up stealing an opportunity from his own kids

[@BrianBarton]

The 3B asked for time, but it was not granted so the play was live. Knowing that the 3B coach decided to take advantage of the situation and send his runner home. But yeah, you can't touch him, coach. Correct call by the umps even though it's heartbreaking for the blue team.

[@redsqwirl]

For such an important semi-final game, you would think there would be more fans at the game. On another note, if the third baseman would have just tagged the runner out who was attempting to get to third, who was just two feet away from him instead of throwing wildly to first, the game would have been over with the same result.

[@andrewseymour5712]

Totally agree, have to know the situation. you have guys on 1st and 2nd, hard hit to him, either needs to go tag his bag or tag the player. the runner slowed down enough thinking he was probably going to be tagged.

[@psisis7423]

LL kids nowadays just want to play fortnite and video games

[@LucianDevine]

Yeah, that throw hurt to see so much. It's good that it didn't end up costing them the game, but the potential was there. All he had to do was either head to third or walk the guy back to second and either tag him there with 2 men on second or wait for the pitcher, catcher, shortstop, or left fielder to get to third and throw for the force out. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug though, for better and for worse.

[@119Agent]

Talk about not owning up to your mistakes; this coach is terrible. He blames his player and the umpire but not himself when it was him who broke the rules while his team was losing. I hate to see this in little league but it seems coaches do this type of thing (blame players or umpires) too often.

[@sonnybowman]

I hate to see it at any level.

[@mikewild7321]

Huh? Exactly what video clip were you watching? See 5:33 Coach explained the incident and owned up to his mistake. Never blames anyone but himself.

[@kennethbrown8723]

@@mikewild7321 he really didn’t take ownership of what he did. He said he touched him, no he pushed him off the base and then said the ump in his opinion decided to make the call! No the ump knowing the rule made the correct call!

[@IAmJustSaying6]

Correct call by the alert umpire. In that situation, you don't give a timeout as requested, because the play is still going on. Also, the coach assisting the runner physically is against the rules at all levels of baseball. You gotta lay this one huge mistake on the Cascade third base coach!

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

Cal Ven generally umpires are discouraged from calling time after every play. Tournament directors actually have told umpires to keep the ball live as much as possible

[@juanbustos1052]

No way. I'm calling time. You have players all over the field. Grant time, and let them reset. This isn't calling time out after no play.

[@davej3781]

@@juanbustos1052 then you have no clue what you are doing

[@donarthiazi2443]

​@@juanbustos1052 Hopefully in the past three years you've learned at least a teeeny bit about baseball 😂

[@mikepoore1705]

100% correct call. I know one of the umpire crew who was on that game. It was a righteous call. Coaches interference!

[@2010OEFvet]

The losing team to me seems like they know it was the right call and they took it well. This is what LL needs more of. Great sportsmanship by the team.

[@LucianDevine]

Yup, they handled it well. It likely helps that he knows he touched his player and the player knows he was touched. When it's that cut and dry it's easier to accept, but lesser men might have acted differently.

[@bigchinobabybaby]

That was a easy call. He can’t do that. It’s on the rule book.

[@mightydesign]

As the manager & base coach on 3rd base in Pony league, I whispered to my runner on third when he came back after a pitch "Catcher is lobbing the ball" He let one more pitch go to get his timing & went for it when the catcher lobbed after an additional pitch. He was able to slide under the tag when the pitcher threw the ball high into the catcher's glove. We went on to win by 1 run that game. That kid on his own, made the decision when to take it. That was the way I taught my players to think on their own.

[@kennethbrown8723]

You are a heck of a coach!😂

[@AcDc61272]

Poor coaching. 3rd base coach clearly interfered bc the player was not paying attention to the coach at all. It should only happen to you once. Coach should be a man and own up to his mistake. Leave tour ego off the field. ⚾️

[@2AForever-wi8yj]

in his defense he probably didn't even realize he did it when it was called.

[@wdilks]

You can see the runner's body shift forward from the push. It was more than just a congratulatory "touch". Good call, and I'm sure not a fun one to have to make. Coach unfortunately just reacted "in the moment".

[@charcole5808]

Lost to this team 4-2 in the semis 😭

[@BBBYpsi]

He more then touched him. He touched him a few times & finally nudged him off the base to get him started to home base. Umpire 100% right call here. Coach cost them the game. As a coach he should know the rules.

[@Equalizer241]

Nudged him off the base? What fcking video was you watching? He tapped him to get his attention. If you think tapping a player is helping him. Your blind as a bat...

[@sonnybowman]

Nothing personal but second guessing in Baseball is a fools game. The coach did not cost his team the game but he did end it. In the game of Baseball that is not the same thing.

[@coachwilson5967]

Sorry coach. You made a mistake and the team paid the price. I thought he did responsibility for the mistake though in the TV interview?

[@MJHBaseball]

I think you misunderstood Peter Okeefe's comment.

[@coachwilson5967]

After re-reading his post, you are right, sorry about that. I'll try to remove it.

[@TheDreamBlog]

Disagree "he did responsibly" in the interview. He clearly says, I tapped him to get his attention then the umpire called him out. Either a half hearted apology OR his sentence was edited by the news.

[@brandonmilligan7706]

For a coach to have serious aspirations of reaching his 13U team to the LLWS, he sure doesn't know the rules that well.

[@stt5v2002]

Nice job there coach. Kids need to learn that no matter how hard they work and how skilled they are, stupid people will crush their dreams.

[@pizzasubs]

The relevant rule reads: 7.09(i) It is interference when ... in the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists that runner in returning to or leaving third base or first base.

[@Equalizer241]

That's from the old rules.... Rules have changed.... It says... Any coach at 1st or 3rd base can touch a player to get his providing the base coach doesn't try to hold the runner from advancing to another base or stop the runner from past the base.....

[@michaelmack9376]

Nice job by the news team to use blurry cell phone footage so viewers can't see the coach physically tap the kid twice, then physically push him so hard his back bends backwards. If they had used clear footage it might not have looked so good for the coach.

[@Equalizer241]

Push him? What fcking video was you watching?

[@davej3781]

@@Equalizer241 he was probably watching this video at 2:45 (or 4:20) where he taps him twice and then gives him a slipped disk between L4 and L5

[@chriswebster24]

@@davej3781 Yeah, I’m not totally sure whether or not the kid needed back surgery afterwards, but he definitely got pushed, though. I know that much, for sure 😂

[@robertdouth8979]

@@Equalizer241 The real question is how you missed him pushing him so forcefully his midsection went forward and then he finally ran. This was so blatant, and the news using a garbage video makes it all the more frustrating. That's local Washington news though so they want to make it look like their local team got hosed. Just another reason you shouldn't trust the news because what is obvious is made to look not so obvious just to get views.

[@michaelmack9376]

@@Equalizer241 I was watching the video that was in full HD quality from the left field camera that is about 20 feet from third base and was pointed right at the third base coach. The one that oddly the news team decided not to use.

[@bonefishboards]

I coached travel softball for a decade. That was a complete brain fart by that 3rd base coach. You can't touch any player on either team while on the field during live play. And he obviously knew play was live because he sent his runner. D'oh.

[@TheHmurveit]

I enjoyed your last comment about the “news “using blurry footage. Was that for more dramatic affect? They want to be the first to report that big foot was playing baseball? It’s a symbol that news is stuck in the 70s

[@tracyyeary5970]

Tonight's softball game was a force out at second the defensive was leaving the field with two outs. The first base coach pushed his runner to run I yelled dead ball runner out coachs interference she would have been on third

[@dccwurdless714]

2:37 that was the fiercest glove soap ever

[@ericsimonson8540]

Right call, similar thing happened in a game I was coaching. Player missed home plate and I told him to go back, he didn’t understand so I tapped him like this coach towards the plate and said run. Their catcher came back to get him, but ump said he would have been out anyway since I touched him on the back.

[@edwardmayrose1151]

Absolutely correct call

[@paulyg566]

As a softball coach I have done this once. I had a player slide into third, and with the ball still in the third basemen's glove came over towards me and off the bag. I institutionally gave her a little push back towards the bag. I knew as soon as I did it that she would be called out. Luckily it was not a close ball game, but I will never do that again, so glad I made the mistake at the JV level.

[@tugotiger]

its actually sad how this team went down, but they had an outstanding run, but the umpire made the right call (shit, our little league dosent even compete for williamsport)

[@TheModelmaker1]

I liked how the professional news reader at the news end pronounced cost.

[@tsquare9168]

Correct call. Runner on 3rd was not tuned into his base coach. Player fell asleep at the wheel. Coach cannot touch the players in the field of play.

[@stevedandy973]

ILLEGAL move by the third base coach. GOOD call by the third base umpire.

[@bkanders1]

Of course, any comment in regards to the 3rd baseman looking at the Ump, and calling clearly for time with his hands up before the play transpired??

[@Subangelis]

bkanders1 - There are plenty. No reason to grant time here.

[@Livereater]

Good call. Runner is out due to Coach assisting the runner on 3rd. Easy call.

[@johncronin9540]

I guess my only question is why the umpires did not call time after the play was over. It was a complicated play, players were out of their normal position, and the defensive team was asking for time, understandable given all the movement. I’m not looking to delay a game, but in a similar situation, I’d grant a timeout, just so the players can resume their position. That’s usually done in MLB, not to mention high school, men’s leagues, etc. At least that way, the outcome of the game is in the players’ hands, not a mistake by a coach. But then LL has its own set of rules, without balks, leading, a dropped third strike, etc. I also wonder why, on such a small field, you need six umpires to call a game. Four is sufficient, as the field is so much smaller than a full sized baseball field.

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

John Cronin tournament. Keep the ball live as much as possible. Time doesn't have to be granted just because a defensive player holds his hands up and asks for time.

[@buckwild6552]

That was the correct call all the way. That sucks the coach cost them the game. That’s the only thing I hate about this World Series, the kids have to play under different rules that most teams normally play under. So a lot of good teams like in AAAU will not play in it.Need to do a video on the 2005 American Legion World Series, That was a crazy ending.

[@washedupwarvet2027]

little league world series is for little league teams only. Totally different then AAU ball. You can't even enter an AAU team if you wanted to lol

[@budbudy7370]

The runner should have been paying attention and the coach wouldn't have touched him. Coach should have known better.

[@stephenhenley7452]

Looks like a good call to me. Tough break to be sure, but the ball was live.

[@idadho]

Even the professional news people can make mistakes, maybe ignorant mistakes. At 5:09, Vanessa Paz said the mistake "a small mistake that costed them big." Who writes this junk? The coach did not make the only mistake. The base runner was not paying attention. He was more at fault than the 3rd base coach. The kids are supposed to win the game.

[@idadho]

I did not say the runner cost them the game. The runner cost them the out in shared responsibility with the third base coach. Just as the runner was not paying attention to the third base coach, he could have ignored the coach's push toward home. Yes, the runner being inattentive alone did not lose them the game. But, if the runner was attentive, he could have won them the game.

[@idadho]

Yes, but the game would not have ended so another RBI hit would have been a possibility, IF THE BASE RUNNER AT SECOND FOLLOWED THE THIRD BASE COACH'S INSTRUCTIONS.

[@idadho]

What use is having a third base coach if the base runner does not pay attention to the coach? The coach erred by touching the runner. The runner erred by not paying attention to the third base coach. Prorating shared blame is a guessing game. But, it is easier on the kids if the coach takes the blame. The kids tend to tear themselves up about their mistakes on the field.

[@marmac2768]

One thing that makes it even more interesting to me is that, if you watch the play, the third baseman could have just turned around after fielding the ball and tagged the runner going to third. He was literally about a foot behind him when he fielded the ball. Interesting play all around!

[@marmac2768]

That's why they are called KIDS!

[@gore1]

Let’s be honest, this coach is more sad that he didn’t get to coach in the LLWS more than being sad that the kids didn’t make it to Williamsport.

[@carltonreese4854]

And you know this, how? Do tell, Dr. Joyce Brothers.

[@MH-Tesla]

Great job by umpires. You can't call time here to bail out the defense! He pushed his player and it cost him. I really feel for the coach, but the chance they get to the llws is very remote.

[@davidriedy5977]

@@_outofphase5480 that's what I'm saying. If the dust has settled then sure, grant the time out request. But idk

[@tylerw3023]

I saw the coach pushing the kid and I remembered it, it still hurts to see to this day

[@rustyunderwood4986]

5:06 "Costed them big" really?

[@antonioacevedo5200]

I noticed that as well. Unbelievable that this lady is representing a television station doing sports. Maybe they didn't care since it was just a little league game, but inexcusable for a professional.

[@9Ballr]

Correct call by the ump. Usually if it's in a video on KZbin it's the other way around.

[@WayneNonnnnBennbemNMMe]

As am umpire , I would hate to make that call.

[@richardgriffith6041]

Correct call. The 3rd base coach should have known the rule!!

[@anonymousone6182]

Great job coach. There's a lot of kindergarten players that learned that lesson the hard way too.

[@95bochamp]

Tough life lesson for the kids, but maybe this experience will serve them better than if they had gone to the LLWS. That is, knowing the rules is important no matter what you do, and owning up to your own mistakes is important, too.

[@mariovercillo1319]

a lot of coaches misunderstand this rule, physical contact itself is not illegal, the contact has to be deemed to assist the runner, so coaches often scream the "the coach touched him, he touched him!!", I'm like ya so what, he didn't assist him

[@63076topher]

In this case he did PUSH him towards home.

[@MH-Tesla]

The play starts at 2:05

[@smokerazor1]

Marvin Heyboer You the real MVP

[@stevemccart9109]

Absolutely good call by the umpire.

[@kdub9198]

The blurry footage might have had to do with copyright and not some nefarious purpose.

[@MJHBaseball]

You might think that, BUT, they did use clear footage from other parts of the game. Also, these news organizations KNOW they can use fair usage footage. They are the whole reason, Fair Usage was created. I am 100% sure they blurred the footage to make it less obvious. After all, this is a Feel Good story, and Feel Good stories are meant to leave people teary eyed and sad, but happy that the group is pulling together despite the obstacles they encountered. It's a regular news segment in local news and IF people left saying, "The coach was an idiot for pushing his runner" then they obviously lose the Feel Good story. And really, who in the local market wants to criticize the coach and team? That was "Our Team" so we don't want to feel bad about it in the end. I'm okay with what they did, but I am not in that region, so I don't have to pretend.

[@kyleyochum1961]

I also think the player can learn that he always need to know what is going on in the game.

[@damienbell3155]

No contact can be made from assisting by coach (rule doesn’t care if it’s a light touch or hard push.) Anything in assisting the runner he tapped him twice then gave him a push on third attempt. Great call !!!

[@derrsonn]

It's kind of bush league that the 3rd baseman wasn't granted time by the umpire in the first place and then the coach was trying to take advantage of it. It's pretty customary to grant a time out to the defense in that situation now that the ball is controlled by an infielder and no runners are attempting to advance.

[@MJHBaseball]

It's bad umpiring to grant time without a compelling reason, especially to the defense. The field was still chaotic, players all over the place. The umpire that grants time too quickly penalizes the Heads-Up base runner unfairly. The guideline - never grant "Time" unless you have to, AND then only when the field has reset with ALL players back in position with the ball in the pitcher's hand....Otherwise, Never call time. Exception: an injury to deal with. And taking advantage of a team that's not paying attention is smart baseball, not "bush league." The Idaho team got lucky, because an alert runner wouldn't have even needed to be told to steal home.

[@detroitrockcity8]

The fielder trying to call time was also in foul ground during a live ball play, as one commenter said there was still some chaos and reorganizing going on and time was not needed to be granted while players are still walking back between the lines. It’s the players fault as well for just assuming they would receive the time out without seeing or hearing an acknowledgement from the umpire who clearly never moved or said anything. It’s black and white in the rule book, no physical contact in assisting runners: I called it once last year as the 3B coach put his arms and hand out to slow down his rounding runner from going home and being thrown out, I called him out immediately since the runner used his outstretched arms to break his speed and return to the bag.

[@ethangasee2106]

The reason he didn’t grant time was because there was no reason too. The only reason they wanted time is because they were afraid of making an error throwing the ball back to the pitcher

[@lonnielongino798]

I agree completely. I know its not customarily granting time to players after a defensive error but you would think they would want to win at bat not sneaking an extra base while the team was not looking.

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

Derrick Sonnier not at this level of tournament or even in regular season play in this division should an umpire call time and kill the play. Maybe in the younger divisions that are a coach pitch or machine pitch would the play be dead when the infielder has control of the ball and the runners have abandoned intent to advance.

[@eriksmith2514]

How do you know that the clarity of the coach's action was the TV station's reason for showing a blurry video?

[@MJHBaseball]

I don't know the reason. It's an educated guess. They DID have clear footage available. They showed other parts of the game clearly. This was a puff feel good story during that segment of the news, which I have no problem with, so obviously they don't want to turn a "feel good" story for local viewers into something else.

[@peterparker4221]

I admire these kids in standing up for there coach. He made a big mistake but he wasn't the only one. I love how heartless the news media is.

[@nozominous2956]

Peter Parker it’s called brutally honest

[@smudent2010]

Anyone who still watched television news media for their information is too far gone in the head to be saved

[@jasonvincent1818]

Right call....you absolutely cannot do that

[@mikemarkham7463]

Where's the "horrible ending?" Coach messed up. That's on him.

[@QBAN2010]

Good call ump! Idaho kids don't deserve to LOSE their only shot at the LLWS over a "bad call/no call" any more than the Washington kids deserved to WIN!!!

[@ericwarren715]

That is the rule even in rec ball. The coach had been through thousands of games with these kids he knew the rule there’s no way he could’ve not known that rule as a base coach.

[@justinbattle1101]

No one will believe me but The third base umpire was my 5 grade teacher. He teaches at harada elementary

[@Equalizer241]

BS

[@andrewellington9503]

Speaking as an umpire, that is a call you pray you never have to make. You absolutely must make the call but you never want to make a call that ends the game, other than the normal out/safe call. Especially when it has nothing to do with the kids actually playing and is completely out of their control.

[@ogrebattle22763]

What the hell was the 3rd base coach thinking?

[@aaronaguilar9172]

sad for the kids but unfortunately it’s the right call. it’s difference if a coach touches a player with a high five on a home run trot, or giving a high five after a hit and time is called. but if the base coach touches a runner to assist him, then that’s against the rules

[@911jedi8]

I have been umpiring for 29 years and that was absolutely 100% the correct call. The coach clearly touched his player and directed him to run home which is against the rules. Now with that being said, there is an unwritten code called "preventive officiating". Which means you try to stop a problem before it happens. Right now everyone go look at this video at the 2:36 mark. The play was chaotic. So once things had settled down and order was restored, the defensive player wearing #8 has his hands in the air asking for time and he gives the ball to his pitcher. The play is over ! Pause the video at 2:38. Look at the runner and the third base coach. They know the play is over. The runner has his head bowed and the coach just standing there. Listen to what the broadcaster says at 2:53. Everyone in the ballpark knew the play was over and thought that time had been called. The umpire should have called time. Look at it again in the 6:50 mark. You can clearly see the player with his hands up in the air again asking the umpire for time out a SECOND time because you can see he is in a different spot on the field. The team in white asked for time TWICE. But the umpire did not grant it. WHY ? The umpire's mistake was not in ruling the runner out. His mistake was in not granting time when the play was over and the defensive team did in fact ask for time. If the umpire had simply granted time at that point, NONE of this would have happened. The kid asked for timeout...TWICE ! This is little league. Give him timeout. If the ump calls time, the play is over. Now you've got runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs with a score of 8-7 and let's play ball from there.

[@63076topher]

You don't call time after every play. The out for touching the player was right but time was not and should not have been granted.

[@stevesand8845]

Yeah it would be like a kid running to third on a base hit, dives into third, there’s and overthrow, and the coach helps the kid up so he can run home...... if he’s not running home and the kid ends up in the coaches box he can help the kid up, but only if play has been called

[@bwburke94]

How does the LL rule differ from OBR?

[@MJHBaseball]

Not by much. Little League is technically 'Majors" 12 year olds and under, so there are no lead offs and the pitcher is 46 feet and bases 60 feet. Those are the primary differences. There is more leeway on substitution rules. Players can return after being removed. Of course, the no slide head first when advancing to the next base. The obstruction rules were more strict, but MLB (and therefore the ORB) changed to match Little League rules on that one. With no lead offs, there are no balks called, however, the rules for upper levels of LL match the ORB with balks. Oh, there are pitch limits...pitchers can only throw so many pitches and then have required rest periods. There are rules on catching and pitching in the same game. There are curfew rules. Hmm, I am sure others will think of a few others, but for the most part, the LL rule set is based on the ORB and match up very closely.

[@David-iy5nl]

Correct assessment of the situation. However as a separated issue i find it highly unusual that with pitcher with the ball and all play stoped the request for time out is refused/denied

[@MJHBaseball]

Thanks for watching. Baseball umpires are taught to keep the ball live at all times if possible. They are never to grant time simply to advantage one team over the other. Granting time when the players were requesting it should not be granted when the teams are still out of place and no one is injured. And this play is exactly why. Umpires will grant time: 1) when a coach requests time to visit the pitcher only after the play is clearly over (runners on their base and fielders back in place) 2) when a catcher asks for time to talk to the pitcher. Again, if everything is over. 3) If a player is injured. Time is called when all play stops, but NOT necessarily if plays might still occur. Time is called sooner. 4) Serious injury. Play is stopped immediately and umpires assign bases as needed (youth baseball only.) 5) When a runner asks for time to remove pads, etc. They get time quicker as they are only harming themselves potentially. All runners must be on a base prior to this time call. 6) obviously on a ball out of play. But other than that, the ball is always live.

[@David-iy5nl]

@@MJHBaseball I agree with your statement and explanation of the rules, but differ/disagree with your assessment at that moment. Also the 1st base ump has turned his back to the field.

[@daveh1758]

@@David-iy5nl A four man crew with a guy only at third and what? Call time out because the first base umpire had his back turned? Seriously? Kill the ball as infrequently as possible. I still remember the distinct look of confusion the first time I followed through on my initial umpire training on this point and asked, "What for?", after a third baseman asked for time instead of simply throwing the live ball back to the pitcher. The awkward silence made the denial the easy decision.

[@billdonoho3905]

Unfortunately the Correct call !

[@victorcroker2765]

Not sure if that was a "Bartman" moment or a "Buckner " moment! Aw, what the heck...It was both.

[@patersonplankrd]

Same rules apply in USSA Softball as well as ASA Softball. Under no circumstances may a coach touch a runner while the ball is "in play". This is the correct call. Coach handled it as he should have. A stand up guy

[@gordonmacleod312]

Great Great call And contack can be made the coach must aid or assist the runner

[@salvaldivia7401]

The person who made this video is doing TOO MUCH 😭

[@barbaralance7942]

The kids still can go to the little league World Series at 13, they changed it this year.

[@ariannamccarthy9671]

That's devastating to lose like that

[@davidaeccles]

It’s the rule. I’ve called it.

[@ldaws-3912]

Lesson to learn as a young pitcher: Never forget about your baserunners when you have the ball.

[@AaronCrews17]

Can't touch this...........BANG!!!! Great call from the 3rd base ump!

[@TrashMouse28]

That was the right call.. unfortunately the coach cost them that game. We actually had a similar situation where the coach interfered with the game and the player was called out. Sorry for Washington, they lost because of the coach. He needs to read the rule book.

[@Pelamaal]

Correct call by the rules.

[@ynotttt]

I remember as a 10 year old coaching 3rd base I did that on a home run. It cost us the game. I simply didn’t know that rule. It had no bearing on the runner making it home.....but it was the rule. As an adult here, the coach probably should have known the rule. He did own up to it. How could he not it was on tape. It’s not the way you want to see a game like that end. You just wish someone would have called time out first.

[@juanbustos1052]

On a home run? You got hosed. That's not the rule. You didn't assist the runner. Shouldn't have been an out.

[@dannywatts81]

4:25 he was so happy

[@davidhall2197]

How about an umpire calling out a hitter/runner going around third, after hitting a home run, yet, for giving the third base coach a high five. I had that happen to one of my boys. We had to call in the umpire-in-chief to correct the umpire. BTW, there was no pitch made before that action was taken; otherwise the out call would have stood.

[@carltonreese4854]

Looks like the third baseman was clearly calling for timeout way before this happened. Did he not get the timeout awarded?

[@CornPop471]

Do you think timeout should have been granted?

[@carltonreese4854]

@@CornPop471 At 3:50, the player is clearly asking for timeout right in front of the umpire and I see no reason for it not to have been granted. The play had come to its conclusion and runners were ensconced on their bases. The controversial play should never have happened and was easily avoided. A real shame for everyone.

[@nycsongman9758]

Wait. Did that newscaster (@5:08), say “... costED them a victory” ?!

[@johndavidson4128]

You can't touch the runner, the coach should know that

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

John Davidson you can touch a runner on a live ball as long as your physical contact is not assisting the runner in proceeding or retreating to a base. A coach can give his runner a high five when the ball is live, that wouldn't be considered interference.

[@robertbrown6879]

Agreed. And this brings up the point as to whether merely touching a runner is physically assisting the runner. I would say no in this case. Touching the runner to get his attention is not against the rules. Physically assisting the runner is.

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

Robert Brown Actually it is against the rules and coach's interference. A coach's physical contact with a runner to "get his attention" to attempt to advance was interpreted correctly as coach's interference.

[@robertbrown6879]

No such rule. Physically assisting the runner, that's a different story. How did he "physically assist the runner?" Answer, he did not physically assist the runner. Did he push the runner, no. The replay at the end of the video is clear. If this interpretation is correct, anytime a coach puts his hand on a runner he is physically assisting a runner in either returning or heading to the next base. Merely touching the runner is not physically assisting the runner.

[@csxfloridafunnelrailfan3065]

Robert Brown the term "physically assisting" is not limited to helping a runner to their feet if they tripped while running bases. Again, this call is correct. There is a slight push off third base at 4:23 in the video. Either way the contact was coach interference because it is assisting the runner on a live ball. I hope you aren't an umpire because this was the correct call.

[@CGCampbellJr]

Was time called or not?

[@Requinix17]

If the other team had just executed the rundown properly, none of this would have happened and the outcome would still be the same :)

[@BigSkyCurmudgeon]

tough break on the kids, but 100% correct call....coaches F up