[Bainer]

Sorry guys, but I've done it. I've just flat-out overruled my partner and slept well afterwards.
I have a real problem with people (the rulebook) using terms like NEVER, ALWAYS, and MUST. Any number of things can happen in a game involving 12+ individuals on the field at the same time, and alot of things are beyond the realm of 'what-if's'.
In my situation, a ball hit into the night deep to right was 'clearly over the fence' according to my partner on the bases, who went out on the hit, but to the rest of us on the field, it obviously short-hopped the fence, and came to rest on the warning track.
I'm not waiting for him to formally ask me in private whether or not I feel that the ball was over the fence- rulebook-be-damned!

For the vast majority of instances where appeals to partners are required, of course it should be requested! I'm not saying that I agree with correcting a partner- " 'safe'. 'No, BOB, he was out!'". But I do believe that if a person interferes with the game, be it a batter, runner, fielder, or OFFICIAL, it is the responsibility of the officials to recify the situation.

GET IT RIGHT, not just RIGHT NOW.



Bainer.