[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by David Emerling

As you can see this type of question gives a variety of responses but IMO the one BIG ITEM overlooked is:

1. Continuous action vs. dead ball situation

Changing a call on a continuous action play is almost impossible to get right or try and sort out.

Example; using the pulled foot / swipe tag analysis.

SITCH: 1 out r1/r2 - hit and run on.

B1 hits one right at F6 for the old fashion 6-4-3 DP. Since it was a hit and run R2 (having a good lead at second base)continues advancing towards home.

Now let's freeze.

We have the throw from F6 or F4 (doesn't matter) to F3 which isn't a good one. F3 stretches or trys a swipe tag.

The call at this point by the BU is Crucial. If the BU signals out, then the inning is over, however, if the BU signals safe chances are F3 will try and get r2 advancing towards home.

Now the play is over and let's also assume you as the BU called the BR out for an inning ending DP and now the coach starts to go ballistic and argue.

"GET HELP! GET HELP" Now you are in a no win situation. If you do change the call to safe then you have just handed the offense a "cheap run" because the defense did not even bother to try and make a play on r2 rounding the third base bag since the BU signalled out for an apparent inning ending DP.

Therefore to sum up IMO it depends upon the nature of the inning. If the play involves continuous action ie; numerous runners then IMO right or wrong you stick with the call because to do otherwise opens up a can of worms

If the play ONLY involves the one runner or it's a dead ball situation ie; changing a HR to a 2 base award then change it. Don't make a habit out of it.

Continuous action - Stick with it and learn

Pete Booth