Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim C
I guess I am confused:
Why didn't you give a safe sign and voice, "No Catch."
Maybe others here will correct me.
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Absolutely the correct mechanic, in my opinion. The runners (
and fielders) need to know what happened - especially when it's not obvious.
While we're at it, there are 7 (that I can think of) uses of the "safe sign."
1. The most obvious,
the runner is safe because he beat the tag or beat the throw. This is the one with which we are most familiar. It's the signal we make when the BR beats the throws to 1st or when the stealing R1 beats the catcher's throw at 2nd.
2.
The batter did not swing. This is the signal the BU gives when asked, "Did he go?"
3.
No catch! Used whenever there is any question as to whether the ball was caught while still in flight. This should be used on all shoestring catches, or, when the fielder seemingly catches the ball but it jars loose because of a collision with another fielder or wall/railing.
4.
No tag on a swipe. This can occur anywhere! Let's say there is a grounder hit to F4 with R1. After fielding the ball, F4 makes a lunge/swipe toward the passing runner. Did he get him or not? You
have to let them know at that
very moment because subsequent play depends on the result. You can't just remain silent and signal nothing. Well, you
can, but it would be poor technique.
5.
A batted ball did not hit the runner. Oftentimes you'll see a runner leap over a sharply hit grounder, or, maybe the ball passed in
very close proximity to the runner. There may be some question as to whether the ball hit him or not. If it did
not hit him, a very wise signal would be to quickly give the safe signal. That way everybody will know that you were completely aware of what
almost happened but it
didn't happen. This signal will often preempt some disputes.
6.
That's not obstruction/interference.
Or, that's nothing. Sometimes a runner and fielder will make contact and it is neither obstruction nor interference. If you determine that it is nothing it would be wise to quickly give the safe signal to indicate, "Yeah, I saw it, too. It's nothing. Keep playing."
7.
There is no fan interference. This is very common in MLB parks where fans reach over the railing and try to grab a live ball. A flurry of hands reach out for that ball ringing around in the corner. Did somebody touch it? If not, the umpire oftentimes gives the safe signal to indicate that the ball was
not touched and is still live. This can happen during a high school game where it is not uncommon for a bunch of students/fans to congregate along the outfield fence. A ball is hit into the gap and bounces off the wall amidst a bunch of outstretched hands. If nobody touched it - give the safe signal to indicate that 1) you saw it 2) nobody touched and 3) the ball is still live.