MovieChat Forums > Hard Ball (2001) Discussion > Rules of the game - say WHUT?!

Rules of the game - say WHUT?!

posted 15 years ago by chrisbedford
3 replies | jump to latest

From "Goofs":

Factual errors: In the Kekumbas' first game, the home plate umpire incorrectly brushes off the plate by facing the infielders and squatting. When the home plate umpire brushes off home plate they are supposed to turn their back to the infielders and bend over.

Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against baseball - after all, I know very little about it - and I also understand that laws and rules in the USA tend to be very explicit and detailed, but.. wait, what?

It says that that in the rules?

Come on, now. Seriously? Why? What difference can it possibly make if the ump shows his butt to the infield or the bleachers or does it standing on one hand while whistling Dixie, I mean, really now?

[–] ChuckTaylor 15 years ago

I don't think it is actually in the rulebook. But that is how it is done. The reason is to protect the umpire should a pitcher happen to not see that a timeout has been called and throw a pitch. Umpires face their posterior towards the mound so should this happen, the ball strikes them in the rear, and not in the head.

This said, that it happens in the film is hardly a "goof". It's a little league umpire, so he obviously isn't going to go everything by the book. However, there is a goof when they tell the pitcher to remove his Walkman during the game, and the commisioner of the league happens to be standing at home plate when Keanu Reeves goes out to argue the decision.

[–] jejozi 10 years ago

I doubt if that's the reason, what pitcher isn't going to notice the umpire sweeping the plate. If it's a safety issue, might he not get hit by a bat swung by an inattentive batter? Most likely it's that the catcher is in the way.

This will be the high point of my day; it's all downhill from here.

[–] soulsk8ter225 9 years ago

Actually, that is the reason.

Also, there is a chance the catcher is nearby. If you're facing the other way, you're essentially farting in his face.

** Rest in peace, Timothy Volkert (1988 - 2003) **