It Comes Up Every Year

[JJ]

I got two phone calls this morning asking for rulings on similar situations, and it brought to mind those kinds of plays that surface in the discussion circles every so often. I'll present the case that was presented to me, and please feel free to comment on this and/or add similar cases that stick in your mind -

R2, R3, 1 out, fly ball to the outfield. R3 tags and legally scores, but R2 leaves too soon. Does the run count?

Of course we as intelligent, well-informed and experienced umpires know this is a time play, NOT a force play. We know that, right? So it comes down to if and how the play is appealed, and on what level of ball it occurs. And now, with the change in the FED rule, we have more to think about for 2002.

I enjoy talking about things like this, and even though some answers SEEM obvious I still get calls from "experienced" umpires who either have forgotten or really don't know. Unfortunately, if they "guess" wrong when they give their ruling on the field, problems arise because coaches accept their word as gospel because they ARE "experienced" umpires.

Post your comments and other situations you've run into.

GBA