How to not sell a call...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tex

No visual evidence or reaction by the umpire that the runner touched home plate.

Unless the runner said he didn't, and I don't believe he was in any better position than anyone else to make such a statement, there is no evidence the runner did not touch the plate.

Based upon fastpitch softball discussions / rules, a runner is safe if passing an untouched base but out on appeal. I saw a tag afterwards by the catcher, but do not see an appeal to the umpire. Therefore I believe a hard safe signal is not warranted, since the runner did not touch home plate.

Unfounded presumption.

A no call would not have been proper either, but do believe the safe signal should have been quicker.

A call would only be supported if the umpire did not see the ball and then saw the ball on the ground. Remember, the umpire was 3b-line extended toward 1b, so the ball was out of his sight when the play came home.

BTW, I've been waiting for someone to raise this point, but it hasn't happened. So, I will. If this is softball, the umpire would first raise the left arm, and then the right.