R3, R1, two outs, tie game, bottom of sixth. R1 attempts to steal, throw arrives at the bag just above the dirt. R1 slides into the tag, big cloud of dust and BU signals "out". Fielder then lifts his glove and clearly shows the ball on the ground, BU correctly changes call and signals "safe". Meanwhile, R3 scores. Defensive team's coach then sprints out of the dugout and claims the out call created a "dead ball situation", where his "players stopped" (even though the time between calls was no more than 1-2 seconds. This ended up being the winning run.

Was this the correct call, or should we have put R3 back?

If he changed it that quick the call is correct... the run scores...

The players must be aware that a call could be quickly changed and shouldn't be giving up so fast. Plus the player who clearly knows he didn't catch the ball should immediatly make the throw home, not quit. He knows he didn't catch it!

True, the players have to continue with the play regardless, especially in a tie game. I doubt the player knew he dropped the ball with the runner sliding all over him. Plus, he was in no position to get up and make a throw at that point anyway. The run scored, we allowed it to stand and play continued. However there was a protest filed afterwards.

Check this out. It is about the same topic.

http://www.officialforum.com/thread/14507

Thanks. I just heard the protest was UPHELD and they're replying from that point in the game. I'm not sure I agree totally with this.

Who would ever uphold this protest? Someone needs to slap those people.

I agree. Sometimes those who scream the loudest get the most attention, it seems. Leave it to Tourney Directors.

Bad Tourney Director...no soup for you!
 

How do avoid having our games protested, boys and girls?

Get the call right in the first place. Attention all newbies...slow down. Unless you are the Lone Ranger, a cloud of dust is a bad thing...say, "Let's see the ball." Then make your call.

Remember, rule 14 of umpiring is it looks bad to say "Out! No...safe." If you wind up saying, "Safe!...now, he's (she's) out!" means that they came off the bag and we are one out closer to seeing a new team bat or on our way home.

Be a sportscaster...see the play and tell everyone about it after it's over.

Now, for those idiots running the tourney, Shame on You! No wonder they are begging for umpires every year!