Mechanics

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Asked by a poster on another board that I moderate.

"Runner on 1st. Ball hit into the gap. Runner at 1st comes around and slides into 3rd. Base umpire calls him out. Coach argues and says that's not his call, that he should be following the trail runner(the batter) and that it was the home plate ump's call. Of course, the play stood.

What are the mechanics for this call/who's call is it?"

Thanks fellas. Have a good season!

Ignoring the issue with the coach for a second, this is a pretty basic play.

With R1 and a clean hit to the outfield, PU comes up the third base line in foul territory to the library telling his partner "I've got third if he comes."

If R1 continues past second and there appears to be a play building, (remember it takes the ball and a runner to make a play), PU moves into fair territory and to the cut out telling his partner, "I've got third, I've got third."

If no play is going to be made, PU announces "I'm going home." and glances at the touch at third as he goes back to the plate.