Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Losing it in the sun or blown away by the wind, I agree. You don't not call it just because there is such an indication (you grammar hounds gotta love that sentence). However, if it is apparent the fielder just cannot find the ball, that would be another story.
I'd rather error on the side of giving the play a chance than declaring an automatic out. Need to remember, not calling it at it's apex does not excuse the rule. The IFR can be applied after the play. OTOH, the IF call cannot be undone.
What is the worse case scenario if you do not call it? You rule the BR out and move the runners back to where they were at the TOP and you are a little embarrassed. However, how embarrassed would you be if you do make the call, the infielders never even come close to the ball and all runners are safe without a play?
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STRICTLY speaking I agree its better not to call it when its questionable than to call it... but its pretty darn close..
I have no clue why you would be moving players back.. the force is off but they CAN go, and calls are made accordingly.. its the players responsiblity as well to know the situation and know IFF...
This is where you get into trouble not calling it though, and the "error on the side of not calling it" is closer than one might think..
when the criteria of the written rule is met, you can call it and not have to eat as much crow as your scenario IMO.. We know as umpires some of the ends and outs of IFF enforcement.. but the written rule is clear and making the call when IFF criteria met is a done deal .. and IMO much less likely to cause problem/griping when dealing with players that know the rules .. than not calling it, eating crow from both sides, looking enept, moving players around (for whatever reason you would do that), and generally making a mess of a BIG mess of the play.
In fact, as I write that.. while it might be good for discussion fodder.. if I was behind the plate I would almost rather error on the side of calling the BR out and thinking on it for next time.. much less hassle..
Hey coach, catchable IFF R1 & R2 BR out blah blah play ball.. than wandering around the infield moving players and looking like a big schmuck.
[Edited by wadeintothem on Feb 2nd, 2006 at 10:45 AM]