Runner Abandoning the Base Path

[Fritz]

Thanks for all the tips guys, sorry I missed the earlier thread on abandonment. On my mechanics, I show a raised fist on any swinging strike, which is what I did in this case. I tried doing the "safe" call after that earlier in the year and found it strange - like I had changed my mind on whether the batter swung or not. I do remember reading though that this is now the accepted mechanic in the majors.

Think the best thing is to verbalize the "no catch" (using the same rationale about fly balls dropping in the outfield) and then signaling the safe sign.

I did not know, however, about the new 26'/dirt circle rule - sorry I missed that new entry into the rules. Since virtually all of the summer leagues I do have all dirt around home plate (a couple of grass infields), I guess I will call the batter out once he gets close to the on-deck circle to give them the benefit of the doubt.