Quote:
Originally posted by thumpferee
JMO here.
I have to agree with those who say there is no tie. It is your judgement as an umpire to make a decision. I never heard an umpire say "Tie" on a close play at first or any other base. Obviously there are ties, and IMO there are circumstances during the play that help me make the call.
Example: 1) Diving play in the hole by the SS, throws form knees, runner and ball arrive simultaneously, "OUT"!
2) Ball hit to F4 who bobbles ball, runner and ball arrive simultaneously, "SAFE"!
3) Base hit by B1 and tries to stretch into a double, tag at second is applied same time runner touches base, "OUT"!
I'll be waiting for your thoughts on this philosophy.
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I have already agreed that there is
no tie by rule, and that what is required is a decision. My point was that even where an official
perceives that a tie may have occurred the decision CAN and SHOULD be based on
what the rule says, and not on some arbitrary rule of thumb ("
If in doubt, call 'em out!") or a personal judgement about whether the defense deserved to make the out or not on the basis of their good or bad play. That's NOT the umpire's job, at least according to the rules.
The rules clearly dictate what the outcome should be in any perceived tie situation. I believe umpires need to make a decision based on the rules, not on what they may personally think was good or bad play. That's my take on the question. If you choose to do otherwise then so be it. I won't criticise you for your choice but I personally prefer to administer the game according to the rules, wherever that is clearly and practically possible.
Cheers