Quote:
Originally posted by Morningrise
Long time lurker here.
R1 on 3rd base, R2 on 1st base, one out, bottom 7th inning, score tied. Batter hits a fly ball. R1 stays on third, but R2 takes off for second. The ball is caught by F9, who fires to first. R1 heads for home and crosses the plate just before F3 catches the throw and touches first base to retire R2. However, R1 missed touching the plate.
My question is: How do you announce the result of the time play without revealing to either team that R1 missed the plate? Is it acceptable to say "the run scores" or "the game's over" when a potential appeal exists that could cancel the run and continue the game? If not, what do you say if the defense's coach asks "so is the game over?"
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Speaking ASA
"OUT! Run scores!"
The fact that R1 missed the plate is irrelevant to the play UNTIL the defense makes a legal appeal. The umpire should walk to an meet their partner on the field and head toward the exit. They should wait near the point of egress until the infielders have left fair territory or it is obvious that no appeal is forthcoming.
Softball myth: Once the umpire announces "ball game" or "game over", everything is done and nothing else can occur whether the rules allow it or not.
BTW, the answer to the coach is "Yes, sir/ma'am!" It is their responsibility to present appeals in the time fashion prescribed in the rule book.