League Officials - please clarify the 12-Run Rule as far as the option to play on after 12-Runs have ended a game. Is there an option to play on (opted by the team ahead) OR is the game over with no option to play on?
Everyone should know the answer to this question if you don't already (I actually don't).
There was confusion in a game played recently. The umpires didn't want to say it was ok to continue playing (and assume responsibility if anything bad happened.......injury, someone's windshield getting broken by foul ball, fisticuffs or any other WEIRD modern day baseball occurrence.................the umpires did NOT want to be held accountable (and I don't blame them) BUT a five minute debate took place on the field (got a little uncomfortable) .................end result................game over........CEASE & DESIST.......IPSO DEFACTO.........HABIUS CORPUS!
Is this correct?
The umpires asked for attestation ..........................Say What? "I want to see it in writing" where it states the team ahead has the option of ending the game (final decree) or continue playing the game (basically counting the continuation as a scrimmage until the 7 innings are played out). Of course, nobody had a copy of the Constitution of the United States of the CDMSBL on them............... Sadly, we all went home!
Commish......................what IS the deal on this?
The game is over. There is no continuation of play. After 5 innings or 4-1/2 inning if the home team is leading by 12 runs, the game is official and over upon completing the inning. There is no option. The mercy rule can occur in the 5th or 6th inning upon completion of the inning or if the home team takes the lead by 12 runs in the bottom of the 5th or 6th inning.
In the past, the 55 division allowed for continuation of play but it had to be agreed by both teams. Why the team ahead would agree to continue with no benefit in a game result is beyond me? All that could happen as a game result is a possible loss.
