quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
There is no call because there has not been a play made yet. If the coaches believe the player missed the plate then tell the catcher to tag the runner or if a force tag the plate. There is no reason to address the umpire in this situation. Its not his job to inform you one way or the other in this case. There is no out (yet) and there is no run (yet).
If the coaches and players have a clue they will know when their is no signal given. Its not the umpires job to make sure the players and coaches know the game. If an umpire signals safe then it needs to stand (period). Regardless if he touched the plate or not. Do not signal anything and its a no brainer. No out (yet) no run (yet).
But there is a run scored. There may be a minute or two before the defense loses the right to appeal.
At some point, even in the Majors, the scoreboard will reflect the run scored even if he never touched home and the appeal possibility remains (otherwise, there is a really obvious clue). If a runner misses second, the umpire can call him safe at home and the run can still be removed on appeal.
If a runner touches home while the ball is in the outfield, I would not expect a "safe" call from the umpire. So if a runner crosses home and misses the tag while the ball is in the outfield, the lack of a "safe" call offers no clue to the defense.
I would think a missed tag near the plate would warrant a "safe" call even if the runner misses the touch. Otherwise the umpire is giving away information that he does not give away for non-close calls. The defense would still know they need to watch for the touch and appeal if necessary.
I'm not an umpire and I'm sure my opinion will not reverse umpire conventions. Who would think umpires need to be master thespians?