When to "score that run"

[afaber12]

So over at UEFL they just posted about a situation where there was a missed opportunity to get a fourth out to prevent a run from scoring. The full thing is here (http://www.closecallsports.com/2014/01/uefl-series-baseball-rules-in-real.html) but the basics are: R2 & R3, 1 out. Line drive to F1 caught, throws to F4 who tags R2 before returning to second, R3 crosses the plate before the tag is made.

 

I've not had a situation where I've even had to consider the possibility of a fourth out, either as a player or a manager, let alone one on a time play like this. Assuming you see something that if appealed would get a fourth out and prevent a run from scoring on a time play, should you delay you're "score that run" mechanic until after either the appeal or the infielders and pitcher have left fair territory?

 

Waiting could alert the fielding team that there's something to appeal when they otherwise weren't aware of it. At the same time, signalling straight away might suggest to them that you aren't going to uphold the appeal that the awake player/manager was going to try and make.

 

It's probably such a rarity that it doesn't matter all that much, but my brain's going to gnaw at it for a while, so I figured the least I could do is either get an answer from someone who knows, or annoy others with the same gnawing as me. (You're welcome )

[MidAmUmp]

Missed bases are considered touched until appealed. The same holds true for not tagging up. So when the 3rd out is made, you score the run. If they do appeal for a 4th out, then you wave off the run.

[Rich Ives]

Do it as timely as you normally would.  To wait could tip off a team that there's a potential for further action.  You can always erase the run if they do the proper 4th out appeal.

[johnnyg08]

Missed bases are considered touched until appealed. The same holds true for not tagging up. So when the 3rd out is made, you score the run. If they do appeal for a 4th out, then you wave off the run.

Sums it up right there.

[ricka56]

Assuming you see something that if appealed would get a fourth out and prevent a run from scoring on a time play, should you delay you're "score that run" mechanic until after either the appeal or the infielders and pitcher have left fair territory?

I can't ever remember using a score the run mechanic. I can faintly remember being told not to use that mechanic...can't remember the reason.

 

Does anyone use the "score the run" mechanic?

[MidAmUmp]

 

Assuming you see something that if appealed would get a fourth out and prevent a run from scoring on a time play, should you delay you're "score that run" mechanic until after either the appeal or the infielders and pitcher have left fair territory?

I can't ever remember using a score the run mechanic. I can faintly remember being told not to use that mechanic...can't remember the reason.

 

Does anyone use the "score the run" mechanic?

 

Point at the plate yelling "Score that run! Score that run!" then turn to the scorekeeper/pressbox and signal 1 yelling "1 run scores!" (unless more than 1 run scores which would be a pretty wild play.)

[Umpire in Chief]

If there is a time play I announce the run or not. If it scores I point at the plate and say "Score the run."

 

If not, I give the safe signal and say "no run."

 

This is a time you have to be emphatic and sell the call. Either way somebody is not going to be happy. 

[ricka56]

I stand corrected. The OP is a time play (hadn't realized that) where this mechanic is appropriate.

[MidAmUmp]

I stand corrected. The OP is a time play (hadn't realized that) where this mechanic is appropriate.

You're forgiven this time...but don't let it happen again!

[Lindsay]

Yes, score the run (using the mechanic) on such a time play whether or not an appeal for leaving early/missed base is possible.

 

If the appeal is affirmed, the run is simply removed from the board. This play does not call for a mechanic for "don't score the run" because the out mechanic at third base nullifies R3's position. If there is no appeal, the run stands as called. We had a rules question a while back concerning a relief pitcher brought into the game after the prior pitcher gave up a 9th inning double to tie the score. The new pitcher's first action was a successful appeal at third base, which gave the prior pitcher the save.

[Jimurray]

Wouldn't it be more of a "wave off" than a safe signal with a "no run scores" verbal.

[ricka56]

You're forgiven this time...

 Sensei, you are far too gracious with this mere mortal.

 

...but don't let it happen again!

Fat chance. I make mistakes (perhaps like this response) all the time. 

 

chuckle, chuckle

[wingman3110]

Wouldn't it be more of a "wave off" than a safe signal with a "no run scores" verbal.

This. Safe signal should not be used.

[Replacematt]

We had a rules question a while back concerning a relief pitcher brought into the game after the prior pitcher gave up a 9th inning double to tie the score. The new pitcher's first action was a successful appeal at third base, which gave the prior pitcher the save.

 

Per 10.02c(1) and 10.19a, that's incorrect.

[BT_Blue]

Rule 10... thats the one before the index right? That section in my rule book is filled with dust bunnies and cobwebs since ot never gets opened to it.

[mstaylor]

Rule 10.00. the one that gives me a headache.

[mstaylor]

I agree with @MidAmUmp, but I am not super fast at doing the score the run mechanic, so if there is an appeal, I don't delay my mechanic, I just don't speed it up.

[BT_Blue]

I agree with @MidAmUmp, but I am not super fast at doing the score the run mechanic, so if there is an appeal, I don't delay my mechanic, I just don't speed it up.

I dont seen any reason TO speed it up? If you do then an observant coach or player may notice something is up.

[Guest John]

This was on the NCAA test.  I can't review the answers yet, but I belive the NCAA wants the PU to do nothing until an appeal is no longer possible, then score the run.