Batter's Box question

[Umpire2014]

Awesome detail! Thanks. I've not had this situation but once (Sunday) of the games I have been the plate umpire. It was just a weird play that might not ever happen again, ever. Maybe he was looking for me to be more verbal as I didn't signal anything and the catcher did pick the ball up (thought about making a play until the coach/parents told him there was no play) and I didn't want to say anything that might be considered coaching or helping the defense. The batter ran like the roadrunner to first and the kid already on first went all the way to third on it. Coach became infuriated when I would not change my call.

[DG]

No matter how odd a play is, never say it will not happen again, because it will and next time you will have learned from the experience and have a better response.

No need for a verbal response, when calling a batted ball that is near a foul line FAIR, simply point toward the infield which should indicate to all that the ball is laying is a fair ball, if it was lying at rest in fair territory or picked up in fair territory by the catcher. When PU I use my left hand to do this, so the defense is not confused about what the call is which they might be if I brought my right hand up to point. This should give everyone the signal they need.

[MD Longhorn]

Coaches are idiots. It'll happen.

But don't EVER verbally call fair. When the ball is touched (or comes to rest), point fair. If NO ONE is doing anything (shouldn't happen with shaving ages, but it will happen at younger ages, especially with dumber coaches) continue to point fair. Eventually someone will see you and act accordingly.

Also, don't stay (or return to) behind catcher. Move away like you would on any other hit, and stay away.

[charliej47]

Originally Posted by Umpire2014

Awesome detail! Thanks. I've not had this situation but once (Sunday) of the games I have been the plate umpire. It was just a weird play that might not ever happen again, ever. Maybe he was looking for me to be more verbal as I didn't signal anything and the catcher did pick the ball up (thought about making a play until the coach/parents told him there was no play) and I didn't want to say anything that might be considered coaching or helping the defense. The batter ran like the roadrunner to first and the kid already on first went all the way to third on it. Coach became infuriated when I would not change my call.

On close plays on the Line, I always point fair or say "FOUL".