Why FAKE it?
I try to listen for the ball in the mitt while I watch both the runner and first baseman legally touch. I have been taught not to signal safe or out right away. I have been taught to set, read, pause and allow the "dust to settle." I don't signal safe or out unless I am damn sure it's a SAFE or OUT call. Afterall, I am in no hurry to hang myself. You could be sure that my call would be made prior to the baserunner reversing direction after sprinting long past first base.
I have been told its okay to take even more time if its a bangor. It helps sell the proper safe or out call. I try to gather as much info as possible. No one has ever asked me to rule if he is safe or out before. If they do ask, then I would probably signal safe. Now if the first words I hear are "He missed the bag." That would lead me to another entirely different CALL. Now if the runner indicated that he missed the bag by quickly returning to the bag, I don't need to wait for an appeal. It's like self-incriminating evidence. The defense is holding the ball and touching the bag. VERDICT for the DEFENSE.
|