Dilemma - Dropped ball during rundown

[C'monBlue]

Take as long as you need to make ONE call. Taking an extra half second will be looked on more favorably than making a call too prematurely and then having to change.

[Sal Giaco]

I got a great idea for timing...... how about PROPER USE OF EYES. It's amazing how some people describe it - "just wait a little longer, point at the play first, etc"

Timing is not just for behind the plate - it's also used on the bases for this exact reason. Once you determine a tag or if the ball beat the runner/runner beat the ball, then you shift your eyes/focus to the glove to determine firm and secure possession and voluntary release. If you use your eyes properly and look at BOTH aspects of the play, then you will likely make the correct call at the right time.

[Okblu]

This is what I do. I point, yell TAG to let everyone know that I saw the tag, and then continue to watch the play finish. No out or safe call is made until I'm sure that the play has ended. I've had no problem with players, coaches, or fans when I do this.

[mcrowder]

Not picking, but wondering why you vocalize TAG except in cases where there is doubt (like a swipetag). Pointing usually suffices. Your vocalization might be misleading to a fielder who tags and bobbles, but who then still has time to make another tag - your vocalization might lead them to think they don't have to, even if you've subsequently judged no possession and safe.

[big]

When something like this happens I put my right arm straight out pointing at the play. This starts the mechanic of making the call. I then take a half second to full second to make sure I got the call right. At this point I either make a fist & make the out call & signal or I'll extend my left arm straight out next to my right arm and make the safe call. Doing this lets everyone involved know you're making the call. This mechanic has yet to fail me & I've never had confusion on what I call.

I probably shouldn't say this but I learned this several years ago from one of my assigners who is a D1 ump and now working as a fill in doing AAA ball.

[Okblu]

MC I can see your point. Its just been something that I tried and it seemed to work. I've never had a problem with the situation that you typed. I've tried just pointing and it seems like this just works better. I've only been doing this a couple of years, so I'm still learning.

[Sal Giaco]

Guys,
Trust me when I say do NOT POINT - it looks real bad. The only time you could point is on a swipe tag OUT at first base where you would say "On the tag, he's out". And you only do that on a close tag play. You DON'T point on run down tags, (because it's obvious he was out on the tag - it's not a force), never point on a tag where the fielder drops the ball (regardless if safe or out) and NEVER point at a play when the tag was missed.

I don't mean to sound negative but you guys sound like a bunch of umpires from the 1950's that used to point at everything. Do you guys also use your thumbs when calling people out?