out of baseline at home plate

[UmpJM]

Always Wright,

You can find a link to a video of the play on this webpage:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index...lb_1&mode=wrap

As you suggest, it seems plainly obvious to me that Church ran well beyond 3' outside of a direct line from where he was to home plate once Hill gained possession of the ball and initiated his ill-fated tag attempt.

Interestingly, he never "changed direction" during Hill's attempt until after he was past the plate. I believe a major league catcher would have tagged him out regardless.

JM

[DG]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

As you suggest, it seems plainly obvious to me that Church ran well beyond 3' outside of a direct line from where he was to home plate once Hill gained possession of the ball and initiated his ill-fated tag attempt.

Agreed. I expect Lou didn't pitch a fit because it did not matter to the Cubs.