Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
It is no different than when we just point toward Fair Territory for a Fair Ball and verbalize a Foul Ball: A Fair Ball is nothing and a Foul Ball is something.
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A Fair Ball is nothing??
How often have you seen an umpire not give an indication of Fair on a ball down the line? Your suggestion that he give no signal because it's "nothing" is going to be extremely confusing. Everyone one is going to look at the umpire and wait for some indication.
When something out of the ordinary happens that is so close to call one way or the other, the umpire should give an emphatic signal when he renders his judgment. A fan reaches over the fence to grab a live ball and may or may not have touched it, it's best for the umpire to signal Safe to verify to everyone that you didn't see a touch. A batted ball whizzes by a runner and it may or may not have touched him, a Safe signal is warranted if the umpire feels the ball missed him. A fielder makes a diving attempt at a sinking line drive and he may or may not have caught it, a Safe signal is a must if the umpire believes the ball shorthopped into his glove.
By doing nothing, not only does it appear that the umpire didn't see it as Bob mentioned, but it could also affect play in a negative way. Doug Eddings learned that the hard way.