Called out for being off first base

Question
Dr Mark,  I play in a park and rec mens D league (ASA) and in a recent game I was on first base with 2 out, bases loaded in the top of 6th.  The plate umpire called me out because as she said I have to maintain total contact with the base at all times.  I was standing next to the base and rubbing it with my left foot during live play. I was also tapping my left foot on the ground due to soreness on the ball of my foot.  At no time did I attempt to steal or give the impression to anyone like to fake steal or an early leave.  By the way that is how the game ended--  very poor game management.  I walked up to her and politely asked her to show me the rule in her book for my own good so I dont make the same mistake again and she said the in now way did she have to show me anything and to leave the field. I guess my question is -- was this a good call?  I have been a high school sports official for a few years and my wife has been officiating HS sports for 10 years so I do know how to speak to an official and I also know how an official should conduct them selves.  One of the cardinal rules of game management is that in a close heated competitive game an official never determines the outcome and this is what she did with this call..

Answer
Hi Chuck,

With bases loaded the field umpire should be off the right shoulder of the 2nd baseman, that's a difficult angle and a long way from 1st to see a foot a 1/4" from rubbing the bag (if that's what happened)

You are required to maintain contact with the bag until the ball reaches home plate, touches the ground or is batted.

Just like a runner missing a bag I'm not going to call it unless I'm a 100% sure.  From my position of 40-45' from 1st base, watching the pitch, glancing at R2 and glancing at you, I can't see how I could be 100% sure.  That's my umpire logic.

Philosophically....one of my mentors, a hall of fame umpire taught me when I was a little pup that "you umpire when you have to umpire".  In this case, no advantage is being gained, I see no reason to umpire in this situation.

Hope this answers your question.

Mark

ps just for future reference..never give an umpire an opportunity to call an out.