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Originally Posted by CecilOne
I happened to be watching that game. There was another replay, probably from the 1st base dugout camera, which looked like he tagged the runner's knee as he reached behind himself, an instant before going down.
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I just watched it another five times, even stopped it a couple of time near the contact.
To me it looks clear the the only contact between was the runner literally bracing himself and putting his left leg into the back of the catcher and pushing down on his head and shoulder. I cannot possibly see how the catcher could have tagged the runner with the ball/glove.
A softball player would more likely slide on this play. If the runner slides on this play, he's safe and there is no question.
A softball catcher probably would have opened up and not tried to take the ball a long way around for a blind tag. Of course, a softball catcher's tag would have been late, but it beats a concussion.
A softball umpire, except for Wade, would have been set up off the back, outside corner of the RH box and would have had a perfect angle for the play.
Tim McClelland seemed more interested into getting to 3B line extended than getting a good position for the ensuing play. I wonder what the purpose of the cute color-coordinated sweatband on McClelland's left are is.
I don't think I would have an ejection on the runner in the case. The catcher initiated the contact by moving into the runner's path at the last moment.