[SAump]

I know the runner is SAFE! Safe on the throw, safe on the tag, safe on the re-tag attempt and safe on the touch of first base. My PARTNERS all saw the same play. SAFE! Now the head coach, with a 3-foot indicator lying right there, goes out to challenge the play. I would not reverse a good judgment call unless the coach follows proper appeal procedures. If so, I am going to give him the whole 36-inches for his efforts.

I would inform the coach that the runner did not interfere with the play at first base, maintained a proper running lane to first base to avoid the out, and that the lines on the field do not determine the runner's actual running lane. Runner is declared safe, AGAIN. I was not there so I can not determine what the coach may have said for the umpire to stick to HIS CALL and then to turn away and eject the coach (APPLAUSE AND SUPPORT).

Now the coach, in anger and realizing he has not convinced the umpire to change his call, will try to use a rule book, spit and other tactics to get his point across. Not in my yard, wasn't that a bump or just unitentional contact? Your first baseman was in the air in fair territory at the time with his glove extended a foot inside the baseline. Unfortunately, the first baseman's momentum was away from the base because of a bad throw. The first baseman could not apply a proper tag and missed the opportunity to touch first after the runnner had missed the base. SAFE! I have already stated the obvious. I am not going to bail your lousy team defensive skills/efforts and take a hit away from a right handed batter who showed hustle and determination to get to first base SAFELY. If its any consolation to you, this simple matter will be recorded as an error on F6 and an ejection on the improper appeal of a judgement call.

That 3-feet to avoid a tag rule happens every single day on almost every tag play. This wasn't one of those plays. If you want to play the game under protest, I will be happy to inform the protest committee to expect their protest FEE. You have been ejected and I will send my report to the committee at the end of this ballgame. I do not need the flak from my assignors and if I can get the other head coach to agree with YOU, I will change the call to meet YOUR NEEDS! Do you want me to go ask for his opinion before I flip-flop, for no other reasan than to suck up to the powers that be? Perhaps one of you can provide me with the justification for it too!

Otherwise, batter runner is SAFE and this report will be turn in to the protest committee. If you still disagree, then fine, try to have a nice day. Remember to PLAY FAIR!