Here's the picture I mentioned in the grabber. The pink (purple?) line represents the track of the ball. The call of the pitch is emblazoned in the middle of the model. (No fun intended!)

Besides safes and outs

The best method for calling safes and outs at any base is to play foot ball. No, not football. No, not soccer. Foot. Ball. Look for the foot to touch the base while you are waiting to hear the smack of the ball in the first baseman's mitt.

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can see it all with peripheral vision. See what's happening at the base, then make sure you know where the ball is. When you find it, you'll know what to call, safe or out. And because of "proper use of eyes," your timing will be just fine.

Continued...