Munson Man
Jun 20 2002, 07:01 PM
Hi, Ump - During last night's Yankees-Rockies game there was a rain delay while Yankees were at bat, just after th Yanks had taken the lead. Luckily, they were able to reume play, and the Good Guys won. But, it's always been unclear to me when a game that cannot be resumed is simply called and the score to that point is considere final, when it has to be picked up at the point that play stopped, and when it has to be replayed from the beginning. Sometimes it seems rather arbitrary, but I'm sure it's not. Hoping you can shed some light......
Ump25
Jun 20 2002, 10:03 PM
A game is called when the Crew Chief makes that decision. He alone has the sole authority to call a game, and will do so only after a long wait and after consulting with several sources.
We speak with various persons in the clubhouse, particularly the grounds keeper, who often has access to NWS radar and other similar resources. We also discuss with him the conditions of the field, the probability of getting it in playable shape, etc.
When there is a weather-related delay, the game cannot be called unless the wait is a minimum of 30 minutes, no exceptions. Each delay carries its minimum 30-minute wait. So, if we resume play after a 2-hour delay, then it pours again 5 minutes after resuming play, the game cannot be called at that point, even if ducks are swimming on the outfield. We will wait another 30 minutes, at least.
A game is regulation, or "official," once 5 innings have been completed (4 1/2 if the home team is leading), or if the home team should tie the score or take the lead in its half of the 5th inning. If a game is called due to weather before reaching regulation, it is replayed in its entirety. If a game is called due to weather after it has reached regulation, it's official and not replayed. Of course, if the score is tied at that point, that's a different story.
There is no leeway when it comes to regulation/suspended games. The rules, confusing though they may be on this subject, are clear: Either a game is regulation or it is not. Either it is suspended or it is not.
Section 4.00 of the rule book deals with this. BTW, there are differences in the minor leagues, which is governed by the NAPBL, National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues.