[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

But in all seriousness, in baseball there are somethings that seem to be a couple of standards or defaults when making calls, but these are not absolutes by any means just guidelines.

It is...
a ball until it's a strike,
fair until it's foul,
safe until he's out.

If you didn't see a tag you can't call him out. (This will sound counter-intuitive but...) If you didn't see him touch (and no tag) he's safe.

In baseball contrary to popular belief "tie" (what a disgusting word) goes to the defense. The player must beat the ball, if he ties he has not beat. I hope this answers some questions.

Ump:

I was taught that it is a strike until it is a ball. You want the batters swinging not standing in the batter's box with the bat on their shoulders.

MTD, Sr.