[Carl Childress]

Originally posted by Sal Giaco

Timing according to the Academy is defined as "proper use of eyes". We use this all the time as plate umpires however it is just as important to use timing (proper use of eyes) and base umpires, as Carl said, to ensure complete control and voluntary release.

The problem with making a safe call immediately after the runner's foot touches the base is when F3 drops the ball on a wacker at first. As you come up with a BIG safe call to sell it and suddenly the ball is on the ground five feet from F3, he is going to turn to you and say "NO SH!T he's safe, I NEVER caught the ball... And by the way, thanks for sticking it up my a@@ !"

It's kind of like a BIG called third strike call on a cock shot where the batter is already heading for the dugout knowing he just took a perfect pitch. Sometimes you just don't have to emphasize the obvious.

As umpires are often creatures of habit, I would rather excercise good timing (proper use of eyes) on all plays, ie tags, forces, routine, wackers, safe, outs etc. because it just keep things simple. Just my opinion

Sorry, but I don't buy this so-called "rationale."

Timing on a safe call at The Academy is nothing more than an exercise to see if the candidate umpire can follow directions.

You say the first baseman might say, "No sh!t!," when you call an immediate safe but the ball is on the ground.

What do you suppose everybody connected with the defense (fans included) will say when the runner hits the base first, you PAUSE to see if the fielder has control so you don't embarrass him - and then call "Safe!"

I wouldn't like to be in your Nikes.

Forget that "check it out" nonsense on safes at first. If he's safe, by golly, he's safe and NOTHING CAN CHANGE THAT, not even "Proper use of eyes, good Academy timing."