Control (out) or not?

[bkbjones]

Originally posted by streamdoc
As John can tell you, I'd have an "Out", then a "Safe" because I still have a nasty habit of making the call too quickly. That pizza fund would be growin' by a buck on that play. Slowing down my calls is one of my things to work on in 2006. In all seriousness, I'd agree with Rachel on this one and have a "Safe", however long it takes me to get there.

Happy & Healthy New Year to you all (even the trolls).

Here's my take:
Who or what caused the release of the ball? When was the ball released?

The tag was made. THAT was the play. The fielder had control of the ball when the play was made.

Unlike the NBA, we don't have "continuation." Once the tag is made, we have an out. That is one play. Once we have a play, and an out, whatever happens next is part of another play (or throwing the ball around the horn, or throwing the ball back to the pitcher, etc.).

What or who caused the ball to come out? The runner. What would be different between the description given here and the runner, even inadvertently, kicking the ball out, or swiping the ball out of the glove like ARod did?

I say we have an out and $1 in the pizza fund.

I would also ask you to think about survivability. Which explanation is easier?

1. "No, coach, your runner caused the ball to come loose AFTER the catcher had plainly tagged her out. She tagged her on one leg. Your runner caused the ball to come out well after the tag with the action of her other leg. I have an out. Let's play ball."

2. "Coach, I know your catcher tagged her out. Then the runner knocked the ball loose with her other leg after the tag."

Now which one of these is going to a) make sense, b) cause you less grief, and c) be more correct under the rules of the game? IMHO, it is going to be 1.

As always, if ya show me in the book where she's safe, I'll call her safe, Til then, I have an out.