Saw something on TV that Made Me Think!

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

What about thios sequence - the fielder touches the base in an appeal situation, then the runner touches, then the fielder says some verbal indication of an appeal. All bang-bang of course, but also if not.

I don't use "proper appeal" as a way of playing "gocha" or "20 questions" with the defense.

A live ball appeal by its nature must many times be made quickly with the defense concentrating on making the play, not communicating with the umpire.

If, in my judgment, the player was explaining what she just did and why, then I'd recognize the appeal as properly made.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I don't use "proper appeal" as a way of playing "gocha" or "20 questions" with the defense.

A live ball appeal by its nature must many times be made quickly with the defense concentrating on making the play, not communicating with the umpire.

If, in my judgment, the player was explaining what she just did and why, then I'd recognize the appeal as properly made.

Good, I hoped you would say that.

[blu_bawls]

[QUOTE=Dakota]A live ball appeal by its nature must many times be made quickly with the defense concentrating on making the play, not communicating with the umpire.

EXACTLY. So once the cathcer realizes that the base runner has missed the plate she can either touch the base OR tag the runner. Same thing and there is no requirement to communicate with the umpire because the umpire should understand the catchers intent because of experience, knowledge, and understanding of the game.

[SRW]

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by SRW

Especially when he only listens (apparently) to half of what you say.

[blu_bawls]

I have listened to what you have said and I don't agree with you.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by blu_bawls

I have listened to what you have said and I don't agree with you.

You keep insisting there is no need for any communication with the umpire, yet you refuse to address any of the situations where communication is required.

No one here said communication is always required, but as near as I can tell, you are the only one who keeps insisting that communication is never required, only intent.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

You keep insisting there is no need for any communication with the umpire, yet you refuse to address any of the situations where communication is required.

No one here said communication is always required, but as near as I can tell, you are the only one who keeps insisting that communication is never required, only intent.

I have heard this adage at most of the umpire clinics I have attended: "NEVER guess an out!" If I don't know what they want, I don't want to guess.

While I agree that I can 'understand' what a fielder is attempting to communicate without speaking, I may consider asking a clarifying question (if there is time, IF I believe that an appeal is taking place, and if they players are generally younger than 16U - I expect more from older players)in order to understand completely what the fielder is trying to communicate.

If I don't know that the fielder is trying to communicate an appeal to me, I don't have a call. They are going to have to 'sell' to me that they want something. This will mean vocalization.

Maybe right. Maybe wrong. But it is what I'm doing now. I'm always open to change if there is a better mousetrap.