Play at the plate

[socal lurker]

Trying to understand umpire perception:

Solo ump. Opposing team gets my runner from third into a pickle following a pitch. Runner slides into home barely reaching the edge of the plate [I'm assuming he did reach it as U did not say he didn't reach the plate, and I think this U would have if he hadn't]. The tag was a bit high, and a close question as to wheher he was under the tag or not. Dugout is fairly close, I had a fairly good angle, and with my coach-colored spectacles on, I thought he probably was under the tag, but with my trying-to-be-ojbective-and-not-a-daddy-coach-rat perspective, it was close enough I really thought the call could have gone either way -- if U missed it, it wasn't much of a miss and is just part of what happens in a game.

With that rambly introduction, here's my real question: do those of you who know far more than I think that the fact the runner barely got to the plate influences a call like that when the runner is coming in under a tag? As I watched, I was thinking it likely did -- he didn't come in as "hot" as he probably should have, so he wasn't well onto the plate as U was making his decision.

(I'm thinking fo this only from a coaching perspective, not a pick-on-the-umpire perspective -- as a coach, I try to teach kids (in any sport) that they don't want to make it easy for the umpire/referee to make an error. So I'm thinking that my advice to the player is that he needs to go in a bit harder (not maliscious hard) to make sure he gets well onto the plate and not give the U a cue that maybe he wasn't there. But maybe I'm overthinking this (ben known to happen), and I'm curious what umpires think. Thx much.)

[mturman]

Originally Posted by socal lurker

Trying to understand umpire perception:

Solo ump. Opposing team gets my runner from third into a pickle following a pitch. Runner slides into home barely reaching the edge of the plate [I'm assuming he did reach it as U did not say he didn't reach the plate, and I think this U would have if he hadn't]. The tag was a bit high, and a close question as to wheher he was under the tag or not. Dugout is fairly close, I had a fairly good angle, and with my coach-colored spectacles on, I thought he probably was under the tag, but with my trying-to-be-ojbective-and-not-a-daddy-coach-rat perspective, it was close enough I really thought the call could have gone either way -- if U missed it, it wasn't much of a miss and is just part of what happens in a game.

With that rambly introduction, here's my real question: do those of you who know far more than I think that the fact the runner barely got to the plate influences a call like that when the runner is coming in under a tag? As I watched, I was thinking it likely did -- he didn't come in as "hot" as he probably should have, so he wasn't well onto the plate as U was making his decision.

(I'm thinking fo this only from a coaching perspective, not a pick-on-the-umpire perspective -- as a coach, I try to teach kids (in any sport) that they don't want to make it easy for the umpire/referee to make an error. So I'm thinking that my advice to the player is that he needs to go in a bit harder (not maliscious hard) to make sure he gets well onto the plate and not give the U a cue that maybe he wasn't there. But maybe I'm overthinking this (ben known to happen), and I'm curious what umpires think. Thx much.)

I get what you are saying...From the umpire perspective, and sharing for a coach, this is a coaching opportunity for both sides regardless of how the call went...

Offense - Need to hustle...No lollygagging...

Defense - Need to get that tag down, why give them room...

Aloha,
Mike

[Assign]

Originally Posted by socal lurker

barely got to the plate influences a call like that when the runner is coming in under a tag?

To be honest, that makes no difference to me, out is out and safe is safe regardless of the force of the slide.

However, since you noted your runner got himslef in a pickle...I assume you meant he made a base running blunder...if it is so close that I am not sure, i might rule in favor of the defense.

when in doubt, call him out

[nopachunts]

If the runner touched the plate before the tag, whether lazily or busting his chops, the important part is he touched the plate before the tag.

[AugieDonatelli]

The runner is not required to end up over a certain part of the plate. If I see his front spike touch the plate (including that black part that is not really part of the plate, for all you anal purists out there ), and he beats the tag, he's safe.

[Ozzy]

Originally Posted by AugieDonatelli

The runner is not required to end up over a certain part of the plate. If I see his front spike touch the plate (including that black part that is not really part of the plate, for all you anal purists out there ), and he beats the tag, he's safe.

The black? Are you kidding, Steve? The black isn't part of the plate - oh.... you said that already!!!

LOL! I have no argument here, just being a wisea$$!

[Rich_Ives]

So how close is close enough?

[mcmahm34]

On a play like that or 99% of plays for that matter, I don't think quick enough to go with advantage/disadvantage. I'm trying to get the best angle and distance I can to clearly see what I'm about to call...which is mostly likely an out

[AugieDonatelli]

Originally Posted by Ozzy

LOL! I have no argument here, just being a wisea$$!

Hey, you gotta go with your strengths, Ozzy!

[socal lurker]

thx all

[Ozzy]

Originally Posted by Rich_Ives

So how close is close enough?

Close enough to make a Rat squeal!