[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by WindyCityBlue

I'm probably the biggest proponent of "Getting the Call Right" on this board. While it is true that you made the call without your partner's assistance, something must be eating at you, if you brought the matter here.

The player made your job much easier because he double clutched the tag. It was easy to sell that call. Had he not, you know what you should have done - asked “Did he have the bag?” immediately. This is not hanging your partner, it is utilizing your resources.

Windy IMO, this is hanging your partner out to dry and also making the ENTIRE crew look foolish.

As Papa C stated, there was a man on first. The PU at this point is watching R1 because there is a banger at first base where the BU is. Depending upon what mechanics you use, I as PU am watching R1 Touch second base so my partner doesn't have to worry about it, and also getting ready to make a possible call at third base.

Therefore, in this play if the PU is doing what he/she is supposed to, they can't help you because they have no better angle then you do and probably worse, because the PU is getting ready for a possible play at third.

Now let's do what you propose. My partner now points to me where I am probably in a worse position to see the play then him so of course I signal safe, however, the coaches and most people KNOW that I had no clue whether the runner was safe/out because of my angle. Now the entire crew looks bad and you start hearing it.

Bottom line: I think all of us who umpire strive to get the call right or we wouldn't do it. However, in a 2 person system, umpires MUST make that tough call, sell it and stick with it because your partner cannot always help you.

Pete Booth