Pulled foot mechanic and timing

[tcarilli]

There really is a simple solution to the original problem of the pulled foot at 1st base. The PU is coming up the line (ostensibly to help with such issues, but really to take runner's lane violations and dead ball responsibility) on ground balls in the infield. In the event of a swipe tag or pulled foot the PU from his set position makes a mechanic with his harm hanging down in front of him; closed fist for tag or on the bag or open hand for missed tag or off the bag. This mechanic is very subtle. The BU, if he as a doubt, looks at the PU to see what he has and then renders his decision. If the PU has neither (fist or open hand) asking for help later will be futile.

This mechanic can be used in a variety of plays. It can be used for the swinging strike three in the dirt. The BU helps the PU. It can be used in run downs. It can used in plays like the one Tim Tschida had with Chuck Knaublach (sp?).

This offers a compromise between the old school live and die with your own calls and the new get help school. The help is gotten during playing action and after the play one can live and die with his call.

Think about it.

Tony Carilli