Play at the plate

[Ump Rube]

Originally Posted by GPC2

Thanks GA Umpire, that was exactly what I was looking for - I knew there had to be a reason why he was in the position he was in. Another question, is there a "When in doubt..." for this type of play, or is there a "Tie goes to the...." on this type of play?

But in all seriousness, in baseball there are somethings that seem to be a couple of standards or defaults when making calls, but these are not absolutes by any means just guidelines.

It is...
a ball until it's a strike,
fair until it's foul,
safe until he's out.

If you didn't see a tag you can't call him out. (This will sound counter-intuitive but...) If you didn't see him touch (and no tag) he's safe.

In baseball contrary to popular belief "tie" (what a disgusting word) goes to the defense. The player must beat the ball, if he ties he has not beat. I hope this answers some questions.

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

It is...
a ball until it's a strike,
fair until it's foul,
safe until he's out.

Depends on the umpire. Many say "When in doubt, bang them out" or "All pitches are strikes until convinced otherwise".

I don't think along these lines. Some may even have it as their signature. Generally, I try to have no preconceived notions of what is about to happen until I see it. Sometimes I do, but I try not to on all plays/pitches.

And, as said before, should not call an out until the umpire sees an out.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

But in all seriousness, in baseball there are somethings that seem to be a couple of standards or defaults when making calls, but these are not absolutes by any means just guidelines.

It is...
a ball until it's a strike,
fair until it's foul,
safe until he's out.

If you didn't see a tag you can't call him out. (This will sound counter-intuitive but...) If you didn't see him touch (and no tag) he's safe.

In baseball contrary to popular belief "tie" (what a disgusting word) goes to the defense. The player must beat the ball, if he ties he has not beat. I hope this answers some questions.

Ump:

I was taught that it is a strike until it is a ball. You want the batters swinging not standing in the batter's box with the bat on their shoulders.

MTD, Sr.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Ump:

I was taught that it is a strike until it is a ball. You want the batters swinging not standing in the batter's box with the bat on their shoulders.

MTD, Sr.

Absolutely correct. The ball starts out as a strike until it does something to change that. I was taught to look at it this way, and it has served me well. Now, if the baseball does anything to change this, I have no problem calling it a ball.

[MajorDave]

I am also a camper in the "It's a strike until it's a ball" group.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

I am also a camper in the "It's a ball until it's a strike" group.

Well, whatever works for you. Vive la différence.

[Ump Rube]

Sorry my games plus adult beverages kept me so long from clarifying my point. In regards to the ball --> strike I was referring to the fact that when nothing is said and no signal given that the pitch is considered a ball. And also that on check swing (if not called) is considered a ball until an ump rules it strike.

To further clarify, I am in the no preconceived notions (at least I try), but I do tend to meander to the strike unless shown otherwise.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

Sorry my games plus adult beverages kept me so long from clarifying my point. In regards to the ball --> strike I was referring to the fact that when nothing is said and no signal given that the pitch is considered a ball. And also that on check swing (if not called) is considered a ball until an ump rules it strike.

To further clarify, I am in the no preconceived notions (at least I try), but I do tend to meander to the strike unless shown otherwise.

That is some major league feet shuffling. You and MajorDave should meander over to the dance floor.. and do the strike shuffle.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Absolutely correct. The ball starts out as a strike until it does something to change that. I was taught to look at it this way, and it has served me well. Now, if the baseball does anything to change this, I have no problem calling it a ball.

As a younger umpire, this is what I've been told by veterans. It's a strike until it's not. Get the borderline pitches as strikes.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Ump Rube

But in all seriousness, in baseball there are somethings that seem to be a couple of standards or defaults when making calls, but these are not absolutes by any means just guidelines.

It is...
a ball until it's a strike,

That is incorrect

It is a strike UNTIL proven otherwise

Pete Booth