quote:
Originally posted by rex:
So what does a mechanics book say about Carl's POTEDO #2?
Is it a no call? Is it a safe on the play wait for the proper appeal? Is it a safe on the play out call on the appeal? Is it a safe on the play safe on the appeal?
(It wasn't really the POTEDO #2 it was the Mariners botched triple play on the missed first base. But the mechanics would be the same. I'm saving #2 until there's a couple of pitchers of beer at stake)
rex
Rex,
The correct mechanic on missing Home Plate is "make
no signal". [
cf NAPBL Umpire Manual, Section 3.3] Then:
(1)If the runner makes no attempt to return to correct the miss, any appeal should be upheld for the "Out!" [Relaxed action]
(2)If the runner attempts to return within a reasonable time, even after entering the dugout, he must be tagged for the "Out!" [Unrelaxed action]
The correct mechanic when the batter-runner misses 1st Base is to call and signal "Safe!" and prepare for a defensive appeal on the missed base.
"
Professional umpires are trained to render the "safe" signal and voice declaration at first base even though the batter-runner missed the base but is considered past the base when the tag of first base is made. This becomes an appeal play and the batter-runner would subsequently be called out for failure to properly touch the base. This is the proper mechanical procedure at all bases involving force plays." [Evans'
Official Baseball Rules Annotated, Rule 2.00 Definition of SAFE]
It can be clearly seen from these interpretations that the mechanics are distinctly different at 1st base vs home plate.
Cheers,
Warren Willson
------------------
Member and Co-Moderator, UT