Friendly debate on sell out call on DP

[Tru_in_Blu]

I recall at a NUS that it was recommended that we give the sell out for the back end of a double play.

A few umpires were having this discussion.

When do you use the sell out?

1. On a routine 6-4-3 DP that's close at first.
2. On a routine 6-4-3 DP when the batter fell down in the batter's box.
3. Runner off first gets doubled up following a line drive catch by an infielder.
4. Runner on second thinks a ball hit to an outfielder will not be caught, but it is and the runner is out by 50 feet.
5. A dead ball appeal on a runner that left early on a caught fly ball.
6. A strike 'em out, throw 'em out DP.
7. Others?

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I recall at a NUS that it was recommended that we give the sell out for the back end of a double play.

A few umpires were having this discussion.

When do you use the sell out?

1. On a routine 6-4-3 DP that's close at first.
2. On a routine 6-4-3 DP when the batter fell down in the batter's box.
3. Runner off first gets doubled up following a line drive catch by an infielder.
4. Runner on second thinks a ball hit to an outfielder will not be caught, but it is and the runner is out by 50 feet.
5. A dead ball appeal on a runner that left early on a caught fly ball.
6. A strike 'em out, throw 'em out DP.
7. Others?

1, 3, 5 if not obvious, 6, tag at the plate, etc.

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

When do you use the sell out?

Short answer: When it's called for and justified.

Longer answer: Close plays (duh), most plays that require a point (juggled ball, an un-pulled foot, etc.), most but not all double plays.

At high school and above, even if a play is game-changing or ESPN Top 10-worthy, I don't sell the out if it's not close. For littler kids, I'll maybe punch it if it's a great play. That's for the kids to feel like they're big-time, not me doing an #UmpShow.

Never on a dead-ball appeal; never on INT; never on a LBR/leaving early violation; never on a catch. I used to sell great catches (per the then-NCAA guidance), but since they changed the guidance, I don't do that any more.

[3afan]

I was always taught to use the sell-out when you need to. If it's a close play and there may be some doubt either way - then sell it.

I was never taught to use the sell-out on a specific play.

[Manny A]

One of my mentors never used the sell out. He always just came up with a cool, calm, nonchalant routine out call, even if it was a banger throw-out of a runner trying to score the game-tying run to end a championship game. In fact, the more the situation called for a sell, the slower and more deliberate he would make the call.

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by Manny A

One of my mentors never used the sell out. He always just came up with a cool, calm, nonchalant routine out call, even if it was a banger throw-out of a runner trying to score the game-tying run to end a championship game. In fact, the more the situation called for a sell, the slower and more deliberate he would make the call.

It's quite amazing how well some of the long-timers can pull this off. Myself, I can't.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

One of my mentors never used the sell out. He always just came up with a cool, calm, nonchalant routine out call, even if it was a banger throw-out of a runner trying to score the game-tying run to end a championship game. In fact, the more the situation called for a sell, the slower and more deliberate he would make the call.

Ran into an umpire somewhat like that about 30 years ago while playing the big SP tournament in Richmond, VA (40O+ teams).

Everybody told us how good he was. He must have been paying them to say that. He was okay, but lacked hustle and never stopped with the sunflower seeds. Making a signal seemed like a chore and was sometimes done in such a nonchalant manner, my teammates wondered if he was even paying attention.

Being sharp and deliberate is one thing. Being "cool" is another