To Call Safe or Out?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by David B

I think what he is referring to is what Carl used to call "making the unexpected call" on routine plays. IOW, runner is out by three steps, ball is put down and player slides in he's out. But if runner does something different like a hook slide or other superb play, then call it as is.

As far as the OP, I would ignore the advice of the so-called veteran. If its obvious that he's out or safe make the call.

Thnaks
David

Agreed. And, "the expected call" assumes that the tag is down, and in front of the base, and the runner somehow just misses the glove (head first, hands on either side; feet first just sliodes by the glove). Here, you probably get the out.

But, both actors have to play their role to get this call. And, in the OP, the defense did not play the role properly.

It's all part of the art (as opposed to science) of umpiring, and the art will be practiced differently at different levels and in differnent locations.