he most difficult part of working baseball is learning the nuances of the game. The game has a rich history, and much of what happens on the field is a byproduct of both this history and what we see on TV. Not only do you need to see a play, but know why your call is right, even when it is technically wrong.

The scene of the crime

It is a hot muggy night in Nova Scotia (already you know that this is a fictional play). The Bears have a runner on first with no outs early in the contest. The batter hits the ball to the second baseman, who then starts what looks like a routine 4-6-3 double play. On this day, though, it is not routine. The Bears' coach has come out to discuss the play, ranting that the shortstop wasn't on the bag when he caught the ball.

For once, I am not going to get into the umpire-coach discussion. That is for another time. What I want to look at is: Why had the coach come out? While he may think he is helping his team, his middle infielders would probably disagree!

What the coach is bitching about is that on the play, F6 came across the base and he certainly touched it — but before he actually caught the throw from the second baseman.

"He was "a foot from the base," the coach laments. Here comes something you won't hear too often  from umpires.

I agree with the coach.

Yup, sure do. When F6 caught the ball, he wasn't on the bag.

"But, now get this, Coach. R1 is still out."

Continued...