voluntary release

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by noleump

I was recently working the plate at an USSSA tourn finals 12u. There was one out bases loaded hit to short who secures ball and makes tag on the runner from second base with time to throw to first and drops the ball.My partner calls "safe" .The play ends and time is called and the inevitible argument follows.I move down 3rd base line to hold off other coaches and allow the head coach to talk to my partner.I have the other coaches in foul territory .I look over my shoulder to se my partner getting his *** chewed .He tosses the head coach . I escort off the field the head coach.I ask my partner (in private)does he want my take or need my help or something to that affect. His reply is no.End of what matters in this story.

My question is at what point would you call an out, when a fielder with the ball tags a runner? Should there be a delay to see if he keeps the ball in his glove/hand?

I'm assuming the fielder tagged the runner and no throw was attempted therefore good call by your partner. Nice job letting your partner take care of business. You had no info. to offer your partner it was his call all the way.

Have no mercy on parent coache's. Off with their heads.

[soundedlikeastrike]

"My question is at what point would you call an out, when a fielder with the ball tags a runner? Should there be a delay to see if he keeps the ball in his glove/hand?"


Ah, there should be a bit of a delay, to ensure the F maintaines control of the ball. If a hard slide knocks a ball out after the tag, safe is the right call,
same on a hard tag in the OP. If the force generated by the tag causes the ball to come loose, safe.

I called this one time:
RHed F3, late break to the bag of a GB to F4's left, has F3 scrambling toward the bag, throw from F4 is to the RF side of the bag. F3 strectches back, snags the errant throw, hits the bag with his right foot ahead of the BR, his momentum spins him out of control in the direction of home, as he spins around the ball flies out of his glove and rolls to F2. Safe, was my call. No arguements, no protests, no offer of help from my partner, play on. U18 USSSA tourny.

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by soundedlikeastrike

"My question is at what point would you call an out, when a fielder with the ball tags a runner? Should there be a delay to see if he keeps the ball in his glove/hand?"


Ah, there should be a bit of a delay, to ensure the F maintaines control of the ball. If a hard slide knocks a ball out after the tag, safe is the right call,
same on a hard tag in the OP. If the force generated by the tag causes the ball to come loose, safe.

I called this one time:
RHed F3, late break to the bag of a GB to F4's left, has F3 scrambling toward the bag, throw from F4 is to the RF side of the bag. F3 strectches back, snags the errant throw, hits the bag with his right foot ahead of the BR, his momentum spins him out of control in the direction of home, as he spins around the ball flies out of his glove and rolls to F2. Safe, was my call. No arguements, no protests, no offer of help from my partner, play on. U18 USSSA tourny.

In baseball you make your call when the play is over. There's a delay in that respect. Tag plays be sure the fielder demonstrates control. When you're satisfied that's the case make the call.