[PeteBooth]

The thread on a dropped third strike is what prompted me for this thread and No it's not a thread directed at Garth's and TEE's response but a general comment.

The one thing I like about watching Pro football/basketball is the way the calls are explained. Remember the infamous "tuck rule" in the PATS/Raiders Championship game.
Even though the participants should KNOW the rules, the fact of the matter is they don't.

Especially in Football, the referee Explains the call so one has a better understanding of what's going on.

In baseball it seems as though there are varied opinions on verbalizing/explaining calls.

There's the camp that says - Everyone should know the rules so why verbalize or inform

There's the mid-range camp - verbalize some and not others.

There doesn't seem to be one clear cut way of explaining calls. I for one especially when watching a baseball game would like to know what is going on. Plenty of times you see the umpires hudle, make a decision and say to yourself, "what's he doing on second base".

There's no PA announcement - No nothing as with the other sports. I know our main duty is to the players and coaches, but IMO maybe people meaning the fans would get a better appreciation if they KNEW what was going on.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about.

F2's interference (Obstruction in FED), followed by a play - Some say Why give the coach the option. If he doesn't know the rule - too bad.

Some say Give the coach the option

There's no clear cut reference, hence the BIG debates begin whenever this subject comes up. In football it's a NO Brainer. Hey Coach do want the 5 Yard penalty for offsides or the results of the play. It's done in other sports yet baseball IMO is in the "dark ages"

There are plenty of other examples.

What do you think and perhaps this would make for a good series of articles on the paid site.

Pete Booth