accidental force play

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Jeffhead

Pete,
Thanks for the case book info. Given that, what mechanic do you use? As I said we were instructed to hold the call. Not being argumentative, just looking to get it right.

OBR Mechanic

In OBR when B1 beats the throw but does not Touch the bag, the BU gives the Safe Signal unless the defense appeals. Also, keep in mind "relaxed" vs. "unrelaxed" action. By that I mean suppose B1 misses first base, but immediately trys to correct his /her mistake. At that point in time (action unrelaxed), we do not recognize an appeal, the runner would have to be tagged.

If the action is relaxed meaning the runner is 10 ft. or so passed the bag, then all that is needed is for F3 to say "Blue he /she missed first" step on bag with the ball and we register the out or Give an unmistakable act that he /she is appealing.

FED Mechanic

As mentioned in FED, if F3 touches the bag with the ball we give the OUT signal. If F3 does not "accidentally" step on the bag with the ball, then do as the OBR umpire.

IMO "holding" a call tips the defense. Most of the time F3 will have the ball on the bag, so it's a non issue in FED.

Pete Booth

[Edited by PeteBooth on Mar 11th, 2003 at 10:43 PM]