Quote:
Originally posted by greymule
In the past I have been upbraided on this board for casually using the term force out to describe an out made by the batter runner at 1B. I knew the difference but did my penance anyway.
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Greymule,
I would not upbraid you, but with your comments about the specifics of language I'm suprised on your take on this.
I agree that most of us know the difference, and it doesn't cause problems.
But to the untrained it can. The confusion about the apeal for a runner leaving a base too early on a caught fly becomes a "force" and now, does the run score? Of course "we" know, but we have caused a problem to the untrained.
Likewise the "dropped" third strike instead of an uncaught third strike causes problems.
I realize it is convienent to use the words force out instead of the B-R being out at first, and will note that even the Case Books often resort to that shorthand.
I have even seen that cause problems in an extended discussion of the B-R being "forced" to run to 1st, and if a 4th out appeal is possible after the third out because the B-R did not touch 1st but instead went directly to her dugout or defensive position! (And even the current Fed book that "forgets" to state how to put the B-R out by rule!!!)
The Apostle Paul admonished the early Christians not to be stumbling blocks to the unbelievers, and it might be good for umpires to avoid being stumbling blocks to the coaches & fans. Just my thoughts.
Roger Greene