[David B]

Originally posted by cowbyfan1

Least in Fed ball where does it say that the runner has to be on the bag. He has to go back to his bag but does not have to be on it. As I recall it is pitcher on rubber, catcher down and batter in box is all that is required to put the ball back into play. If the runner is off the bag "by a mile" after a retag (if needed) and the ball is put back into play then he is liable to be played on and put out.

As far as saying play. Only at the start of a game and I have been taught to not point it in play to start a half inning. In actuality the ball is not dead in between innings. Under dead ball in the rule book, nowhere does it say that the 3rd out of the inning causes the ball to be dead, so why point it to become live when it already is?? I will only do it if a batter is still getting set and the pitcher is ready to pitch.

I always say play and point. The point is so my partner knows the ball is in play, the verbal "play" is for the batter and F2.

The only ones who hear me are the batter and F2.

State playoffs several years ago and 5-4 game. R3 and one out and winning team makes a pitching change.

I knew the losing coach was very agressive and I also knew he liked to try plays with a new pitcher.

Sure enough, as soon as the batter and pitcher were ready I point and say play and here comes R3.

I don't think the coach was actually waiting for me, but it did cross my mind, what if he had sent the runner a second earlier.

It was a dead ball and I would have had to send him back.

The runner was safe BTW and they ended up winning in extra innings.

But the story still reminds me of how important it is to do something, make sure your partner, F1 and you know when the ball is made live.

Thanks
David