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Reminds me of a situation where I was working alone with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Sharp line drive hit to left centre field so I run up the 3rd baseline to watch the tag up of runner at third, F7 comes in and makes a diving catch. F7 rolls on the ground comes up with the ball and throws home, I quickly look at 2nd and see the runner about 2 steps off second running to third. Hussle home to make the safe call at home, turn and make another safe call at third.
Defense then appeals first the runner at third (call safe) and then second(another safe). When the defensive manager comes out to discuss the call, I stop him and tell him, "Coach, on that play here are my priorities:
1) Did the fielder make the catch? I have to wait until he has clear possession AND voluntary release of the ball.
2) Did the runner at third base leave BEFORE the ball was TOUCHED by F7?
3) Did the runner at secondbase leave BEFORE the ball was TOUCHED by F7?
4) Get into position to make any safe/out calls on the bases.
Your left fielder make a heck of a diving catch. I saw F7 touch the ball and quickly confirmed the runner at third was still touching third base, then I had to wait until f7 completed his roll on the ground before confirming the catch. Then I looked at second and saw the runner there was a couple of steps off second running to third. Am I 100% positive the runner at second tagged up? No. But am I 100% certain that he didn't? No. As a result I have to call him safe."
I know generally speaking you wait to hear exactly what the coach is appealing but in this situation I felt that the best thing to do was completely explain my responsibilities on the play and it worked perfectly because all he said was "Sounds good to me." and went back to the bench.
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