[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Not familiar with this. Though my question becomes... Why should anyone have to remind an umpire if something is a timing play? On some appeals, it will matter. On others, it will not.

For example, R1 on 3B and R2 on 2B, one out. Deep fly ball hit to right field towards the 315' fence. F10 makes a great diving catch near the wall, but stumbles a little getting up. Both R1 and R2 make it home.

Sitch 1 - R1 left early.
Sitch 2 - R2 left early.

In sitch 1, whether or not it's a timing play makes no difference. Since R1 is the 3rd out, no trailing runner can score. In sitch 2, it IS a timing play. However, R1 crossed the plate before the appeal, so he scores.

"Reminding" other umpires that there could be a timing play has the potential to confuse umpires who should, in my opinion, already be aware of any timing plays.

After all, that's a lot of what we do - timing and force plays.

Why? Because it is good communication among the umpiring crew just like signaling the IFF is on or off.

MTD, Sr.