How would you respond to this coach?

Andy · #1 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 10:19am

Here is a play I had this just completed HS season.

NF rules, R1 on second, one out, I am PU.

Batter hits line drive to F4, ball caught for second out, F4 throws to F6 covering second for the live ball appeal on R1. Bad throw, ball goes into dead ball territory. R1 was already diving back into second at the time of the throw, so she legally tags up after the caught fly ball. I award home on the ball going into DB territory. As the runner is proceeding home, the defensive team coach from the 3B dugout behind me asks politely,

"Can you explain that award to me?"
"Sure coach, as soon as the runner is done."

I explained the award - two bases from the time of the throw - coach was fine.

Here is my "what if" and question:

Assume R1 neglected to tag up and simply proceeded to home.
I explain award to coach, then coach says, "that's fine, but she did not tag up at second!"

How do you respond?

Steve M · #2 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 10:37am

Andy,
I'd respond with something like "Coach, what we have now is a dead ball appeal that you are making. And my ruling is that the runner did tag up." And, as long as he's still civil, I'd be willing to explain the sequence you just gave.

ChampaignBlue · #3 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 10:43am

Good question, do you help the coach and say "Well then, she'd be called out if it were appealed" or do you simply say "That would be an appeal play" and let him figure out that he needs to make a proper appeal.

I go for the later.

mcrowder · #4 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 10:51am

Never tell a coach when you would and would not rule a particular appeal in his favor until he actually makes such an appeal. Just say "You would have to make an appeal play for that." If he does - then rule.

jxt127 · #5 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 10:58am

I had that problem once last year. Defence was trying to make an appeal - must be live ball - kept calling time then trying the appeal.

IRISHMAFIA · #6 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 11:24am

Quote:

Originally posted by jxt127
I had that problem once last year. Defence was trying to make an appeal - must be live ball - kept calling time then trying the appeal.

I would assume that would be the BR missing 1B.

Andy · #7 (**permalink**) Thu May 20, 2004, 03:43pm

Thanks for the responses, folks.

I know that the missed tag-up at second is an appeal play, but if I say something to the coach about an appeal, am I unfairly providing him with an advantage? That's my concern in this situation. I feel that if I say the word "appeal", it conveys to him that he needs to do something. On the other hand, I don't want to not say anything at all and appear to be ignoring him. Any thoughts?