Bob Jenkins at the Plate

[Rich]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Chris, in Tee's case, he determined there was a valid reason to go out on that ground ball to the outfield. Normally, you are correct, there is no need to go out on a routine base hit. Note the word , "routine". I'd rather err on the side of misjudging something as "trouble", rather then judging it as "routine" and having it turn into a problem. Just my preference, do as you wish.

For me, it depends on the field.

If it's enclosed with no fence gaps and no chance of spectator interference, I'm signaling fair and staying in the infield (either rotating home or sliding depending on the number and location of baserunners).

If there's a DBT line or a bad fence or a chance of interference, I'm going with it. It's far more credible having an umpire on it rather than having a plate umpire calling something from 300 feet or more away. We'll talk about this when we walk the field as part of our pregame.

Tee can address exactly why he found it necessary to follow the ball. I think it would be instructive and would give us his line of reasoning, so I hope he replies.