Run scores while 4th out is possible; Timing of 'Score that Run!'

[Velho]

Came across this on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Umpire/comments/1slyerj/comment/ogb0w8u/

Situation: HS. R1& R2, 1 out. Shallow fly to CF. Offense thinks there are 2 outs, sends runners. R2 scores ahead of R1 getting tagged on appeal.

From the PU: "I back up to line up that tag and home plate and per the mechanics in place waited until the infielders were all off the field and then announced the run scores. You can disagree and say I should have announced it immediately, but the mechanics in place in my association were of a 4th out like that is possible to wait until the appeal is impossible before announcing the run."

 

Does your association give explicit guidance on timing of scoring the run on this type of play?

 

 

 

[jimurrayalterego]

1 hour ago, Velho said:

Came across this on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Umpire/comments/1slyerj/comment/ogb0w8u/

Situation: HS. R1& R2, 1 out. Shallow fly to CF. Offense thinks there are 2 outs, sends runners. R2 scores ahead of R1 getting tagged on appeal.

From the PU: "I back up to line up that tag and home plate and per the mechanics in place waited until the infielders were all off the field and then announced the run scores. You can disagree and say I should have announced it immediately, but the mechanics in place in my association were of a 4th out like that is possible to wait until the appeal is impossible before announcing the run."

 

Does your association give explicit guidance on timing of scoring the run on this type of play?

 

 

 

Not heard of that. Seems to be aiding the defense. Run is probably going up on the scoreboard anyway. 

[Velho]

1 hour ago, jimurrayalterego said:

Seems to be aiding the defense.

Aiding the defense? My instinct was it was hurting the defense by leaving it ambiguous if the timed run scored or not until it was too late for the defense to appeal.

In OP for example, declaring that run as scoring would (maybe?) make the defense realize they should appeal that runner since he never retouched.

[jimurrayalterego]

1 hour ago, Velho said:

Aiding the defense? My instinct was it was hurting the defense by leaving it ambiguous if the timed run scored or not until it was too late for the defense to appeal.

In OP for example, declaring that run as scoring would (maybe?) make the defense realize they should appeal that runner since he never retouched.

I was thinking that standing there would telegraph that something was lacking. Just as when an umpire stands around at game end telegraphing that he is waiting for an appeal. I did have a conversation with Brennan at Refmasters and he says if an appeal might be made he will wait till the no appeal criteria is met before leaving the field. Maybe the OPs group has a point.

[The Man in Blue]

10 hours ago, Velho said:

Does your association give explicit guidance on timing of scoring the run on this type of play?

 

Preferably after the annual golf outing and before the steak dinner banquet to pat themselves on the back.

Beyond that, I have never head of the local association weighing in with any guidance on anything.

 

As for a worthwhile contribution . . . The run scores until it doesn't.  Signal it right away.  As for waiting around, heck no.  I may pause a beat to make sure I have a proper read, but once the defense seems to no longer be interested, I'm not telegraphing anything.  I may keep a side-eye going as I am leaving, but we should not stand around and wait. 

How long are you waiting if the defense doesn't leave fair territory?  They walk to the line, throw their gloves to the dugout, head out for handshakes, then go to right field to have their meeting?

[BigBlue4u]

On 4/15/2026 at 9:34 AM, Velho said:

From the PU: "I back up to line up that tag and home plate and per the mechanics in place waited until the infielders were all off the field and then announced the run scores. You can disagree and say I should have announced it immediately, but the mechanics in place in my association were of a 4th out like that is possible to wait until the appeal is impossible before announcing the run."

I don't agree with this at all.  Here's why:  By signaling immediately you are, 1) Indicating to everyone that you saw what happened and 2) you have ruled on it. Don't make this type of play any more difficult by wondering what may happen.  

[The Man in Blue]

Building off that, it is an appeal play, not a wait-for-it play.

Don't be Aaron Burr.