DFDUmpire

Your right about it being "old mechanics" and I should have made the call first (which I tought he was safe) and then if there was some questions--then confer with the PU. We have worked together before and have done the same thing before...which is a habit I need to break! Thanks for the help all! Calling time to discuss a call removes any doubt if it is a dead ball situation. Lesson learned!

With bases loaded and one out ( I am the field umpire), batter hits slow roller between P and 3B--3B makes throw to 1B which possibly pulled 1B off the bag---I immediately signal to the home plate umpire who confirms that the 1B indeed was pulled from the bag on the throw and the runner was safe. The batter/runner who thought he was out, begins to run back to the dugout. The 1B runs and tags him. Question--was it automatically a dead ball situation when I signaled to the umpire for his call? I called the runner out.....did I tank this call?

I argued that one of them HAD to verbalize it and they both were adament that they did not have to. Bases were loaded with one out. and all the runners knew it was pop up, but when nothing was called , they took off as the ball dropped between the pitcher and first baseman untouched. The pitcher threw home to get the runner from 3rd. Both umpires conferred after the play, said they did not have to verbalize the call and the runner was out advancing on his own. Are you required to verbalize? I have always verbalized it.

In my most sincere voice I would have replied that "his call" was not scheduled for another 2 innings..."

In reserching the verbage of the Infield Fly Rule from MLB rules, I am interpreting to mean they MUST verbalize it once either the field or plate umpire (in his judgement) meets the criteria for the call. Pony League umpire last night said all he had to do was "indicate" he was calling an Infield Fly" by raising a pointed finger after the pop up was hit and not say anything. That call had an affect on the outcoem of the game. I argued it had to be verbalized. Do I have some crow to eat?