Verbal Call Question

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Jul 14, 2010
150
18
Runner on third. Batter bunts the ball. Fielder goes to catcher who almost tags runner coming in, then throws to 3B who makes a tag. Umpire makes no call, meanwhile in the subsequent confusion waiting for the call the bunt batter advances to second. Should the umpire have made a verbal call or motion either way on the play at 3rd?


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Jul 14, 2010
150
18
They should signal safe or out. However, No signal is not reason for a fielder to hold the tag on the runner. You tag them then look for another out.

I do understand they need to stay in the game. The play essentially stopped when the ball hit 3B and everyone looked at the umpire. Our head coach asked for a call, repeatedly with his voice raised higher each time. This distracted our players, and then the other coaches and parents start yelling for the call...then the runner advanced. The field umpire just stood there, and after the chaos subsided wouldn't ask for help. Field umpire eventually said he made a call - no motion for sure - no verbal heard. I'm just keeping the book - our team behaved badly. I just wanted to understand what the umpire is supposed to do. Thank you!


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Sep 5, 2012
53
8
Sounds like the reason for the non-call was there was some confusion among the two umpires as to whose call it was.

Typically the first responsibility for the call on this play goes to the PU. The FU provides a second set of eyes on the play & has primary responsibility for the B/R & any other trailing runners.
 
May 7, 2011
14
0
Grand Rapids, MI
One could argue that the BU should have made the call as it was the first play on the infield. PU had to stay close to home in case of a play at HP. BU has the play in front of them (rundown to 3B) and then has to quickly look for the B/R and any calls involving her/him. PU is still in good position to give input on a pulled foot, running lane violation, etc. by virtue of staying near home plate.

At any rate, waiting for a call isn't going to help you. An umpire's call usually doesn't prevent you from making another play. How many outs were there? It sounds like there were 2 based on everyone waiting to see if R1 was out or safe at 3B.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
Sounds like the reason for the non-call was there was some confusion among the two umpires as to whose call it was.

Typically the first responsibility for the call on this play goes to the PU. The FU provides a second set of eyes on the play & has primary responsibility for the B/R & any other trailing runners.

If I am reading the play correctly, there was a throw home for a play there and then a throw back to 3rd. The play at home is the plate umpires, the throw back to 3rd becomes the base umpires call.
 
Jul 14, 2010
150
18
I checked my book - there were no outs. Without a call (verbal or motion) our players didn't know if they could then go after the runner on first who eventually went to second. This is first year 14U so there's still a lot to learn. Our coach didn't know how to coach the situation and it got heated from there. Unfortunately they learned that its acceptable for everyone to yell at the umpire when they make a mistake. Later I had to correct a player on the bench who heckled the PU after he asked the BU for the count. It was a long hot weekend. Thanks for the help. We are a quality organization with a hard earned reputation rebuilding the younger teams. I don't want to see that damaged. We were left feeling like what we were asking for - a call - wasn't required. Appreciate the responses which are consistent.


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