How to not sell a call...

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Andy

I basically agree with Bret. McClelland saw that the ball was not caught cleanly, saw that the runner's hand touched the plate while the ball was bouncing around, and felt there was no need for a call at that point. I've heard this before - No ball, no call.

When F2 finally retrieved the ball and went to tag the runner, the easy safe call says, the play's over, he touched the plate.

I do see some validity in Tom's point that considering the importance of the game and the stage of the game at the time, an immediate strong call may be warranted.

I also read through the baseball board thread about the call - some there seem to think that McC was not in the proper position for the play and that contributed to the pause and the nonchalant way the signal was given.

Several thoughts on this one - but know that this is an anniversary weekend and there have been a few glasses of wine, so let's hope the thoughts connect

Andy's heard no ball, no call - I wonder where I've heard that - and agree with it - I just wish I could get that thought across to some of the folks I've done some games with.

Rather than Tom's strong sell, I would prefer to see - when F2 is chasing the ball - a casual point at the plate and then the casual safe signal. I think the casualness would have emphasized that this was a no-brainer.

As for his positioning - atch the replay and I think he started at the point of the plate and hustled to get to the angle he thought would develope into the best. I'd prefer - especially with the way the play developed - to use the old ASA standard of 1B extended, slight up the 3B line. But I am very suer that the best angle would be provided by Emily's 3rd dimension - height, looking down on the play.

Now - off to some more wine.

[Dholloway1962]

Looked good to me. Hesitate, process, then make the call when you have "all the pieces of the puzzle". Wasn't a banger since ball clearly bouncing on ground. Catcher made the missed plate appeal and umpire immediately gave signal.

[wadeintothem]

The best I can come up with is that this was a safe call because he didnt see an out. His call seemed unsure and his reasoning in his interview seemed unsure.

That may have not been a bang bang play, but it was a huge play - a sure umpire would have sold it.

A smarter sell call no matter what you saw would have been better as well.

Everyone makes errors, I think this was a mechanic error on the part of the umpire.