Ever wonder what the rule really is on that play that you claim cost your team the game? Well, now you can find out by asking umpire Dale Anzo. Anzo will be answering questions about baseball and softball rules on a regular basis on SiskiyouYouth.com.

Before I give you his initial rule explanation, I’ll let you know how this feature came to be.

For about four years, at three different media outlets, I’ve been trying to get officials to explain the rules of the game. There are a lot of people yelling at the officials who don’t know some of the rules. And, I’m sort of tired of officials complaining that fans, players, and coaches don’t know the rules.

So far this school year, I approached officials from football, volleyball, soccer, and basketball. They all said it was a great idea and assured me that they would do it. None did. So, I figure if they won’t take the initiative to do some explaining, go ahead and yell at them. Let them whine.

Anyway, I was at a basketball game and Anzo happened to show up. I took the opportunity to get in some good-natured ribbing about a controversial baseball game a few years back. I won’t name the game so as not to open any old wounds (Anyone know of a good place to eat in Tulelake?).

We started talking about rules and I asked him if he would be interested in explaining them on the website. He said he would. I was in shock the next day when there was an e-mail from Anzo! I had gotten used to officials dropping the ball.

Give Anzo credit for following through, and a pass on his first missed call of the season.

Now, here’s the first rule explanation.

Softball

In past seasons, a player looking to bunt could have the bat over the plate, and as long as she didn’t “offer” at the ball, the pitch would be called a ball or a strike based solely on its location.

Beginning this season, if the bat is left out over the plate (not pulled back) the pitch will be called a strike regardless of location—“even if it bounces to the plate,” according to Anzo.

To ask Anzo, e-mail to info@siskiyouyouth.com