BR Beats Throw to 1B but misses Base

[Thane Yennie]

I requested an answer to our dilemma from Scott Ehret, here are his thoughts:

"The best instruction I have heard on your basic play is twofold: 1)the runner is not yet retired; 2) the umpire should do nothing to indicate to either team that a baserunning violation has occured. If you can accept those fundamentals the rest becomes quite easy.

Since the runner is not out, the umpire will not signal an out (obvious.) If in the umpire's judgement the play is 'close enough that players, coaches or spectators expect the umpire to make a decision,' the umpire will signal safe. This course of action is required by point 2 above. That's the case if the runner 'just' beats the throw or if the fielder is pulled slightly off the base by the throw. However, if it is obvious to anyone watching the play that the defense did not retire B1, the umpire will make no signal. There's no need for a signal. Everyone 'knows' the runner is safe (even if they do not know the runner is in jeopardy)."

So that is the take from the guys in the big show. Reinforces what Papa C stated earlier.