What's the call

[bsnalex]

Batter out for stepping back to the plate? You called fair ball, not your fault the players don't know the rules.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by bsnalex

Batter out for stepping back to the plate?

Not unless he's avoiding a tag.

[bsnalex]

You could argue that BR is avoiding the tag. F3 had the ball near first base line, BR could have been playing stupid and try to get away with not hearing/ seeing the call.

playing devils advocate, of course.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by bsnalex

You could argue that BR is avoiding the tag. F3 had the ball near first base line, BR could have been playing stupid and try to get away with not hearing/ seeing the call.

playing devils advocate, of course.

From the OP:

F3 picks up the ball and tosses to the pitcher, who is standing on PP. BR only took a step or two out of the box, and seeing the ball hit in foul territory, the batter returns to the box. Umpire has signaled Fair Ball throughout, but no one reacted.

I know you said you are playing devils advocate, but as described, there is no way anyone could mistake this for "avoiding a tag"

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bsnalex

You could argue that BR is avoiding the tag. F3 had the ball near first base line, BR could have been playing stupid and try to get away with not hearing/ seeing the call.

playing devils advocate, of course.

Not sure why you'd want to argue it. Not our job, really. If you saw a tag attempt and BR retreated, that's one thing. If you see no tag attempt, you have nothing, and shouldn't need to argue one way or another.

[Steve M]

Signal "louder" and continue to signal. Sooner or later somebody is going to realize what the fair/foul call was.