The first part of the plate umpires mechanics are solid. Point, you went. I agree with a previous poster that he was "ripping" the strike three call (which shouldn't have been done). I think the base coach confused this signal with a safe mechanic and instructed his player to run. Why the plate umpire signaled "safe" after the tag, I have no clue. The only thing I am thinking is that he thought the ball is in the catchers glove and not in his bare hand. I am assuming he thought there was no tag, even though it appeared obvious. You can't "chain" a strike three on a dropped third strike. He's not out until tagged or the ball goes to first base. Error by the plate umpire. Not sure how one of his partners couldn't have determined there wasn't a tag and corrected the error.
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I'm due to make a great call. After all, I've been officiating a long time !!!
Last edited by REFANDUMP; Sat Jun 16, 2012 at 12:33pm.
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