Asking to see the ball

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Incorrect. It's only "false timing" if you have no legitimate reason to wait, and there's nothing legitimate to signal. Pointing in this case signals a tag before the runner reached the plate, and we wait to verify that the fielder has the ball. Otherwise, you could just signal an out.

Not proper mechanics. A tag play where no force is possible is not to be pointed at. As stated, the point on a tag is only to differentiate between "on the tag" and "on the force."

Originally Posted by mbyron

Pointing is correct in the situation you reference. But it is also correct on a force play where the fielder has held the bag long enough and then comes off: "he had the bag (pointing)... he's out (signaling the out)."

Yes, it is appropriate to point in this case too. I didn't say it wasn't. There are times when pointing is the right thing to do (like pointing to interference or obstruction, or awarding bases, for example).

What I said was that it isn't proper on a tag play where no force is possible. Which is correct, according to pro school teaching (unless something has drastically changed lately). You see a tag, watch the rest of the play, and at the very end you signal "out," either in a banger call or routine call, depending on the play. You don't point.

Originally Posted by mbyron

You are of course free to do it as you like.

I do as is taught by professionals, which is not to point on routine tag plays in non-force situations. It just looks a lot sharper to wait and then make the Out call.