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I can't believe I have to do thsi again, but...
I'm going to sum this up for everyone who is having trouble with this concept. This is not about Big Doggin your partner...it is only about getting the call right!
1) Pre-game : Usually there's a point where you tell your partner(s), "If I come to you on a check-swing, give me your honest call. If you see something, I miss - a foul ball, foul tip, hit batter, batted ball that hits the batter...anything, help me out. If you need help on a pulled foot or a swipe tag, Ill help you, as much as I can.
If you trust your partner enough to help you with these calls, why would you have a brain sprain with a possible kicked call?
2) As Ive suggested MANY times, do not approach your partner(s) about changing a call, unless you are absolutely sure. If you arent, and he comes to you after his call be honest, Your angle was better, I was screened. or I couldnt see it from where I was at, you had the best look. Then get together and support him when the sh*t hits the fan.
3) Not all judgement calls can be changed. We will not alter a call on a called strike (unless we see the ball hit the batter or it bounces in and the PU didnt see it - God help you on that one!), but we know we may have to give our opinion on a called ball and the batter attempts to hit it.
4) The purpose of this rule is to get a bad call right. Put your egos aside and alter it, if applicable. Even the best umpires in the world kick a call every now and then. They used to eat it and were perceived as arrogant and above the game. I have not seen a level of baseball that wont allow this. Fed has a specific rule allowing bad calls to be altered, OBR is showing us the way and the NCAA has allowed it for years.
Now that Ive touched em all, remember that the game is about the guys on the field. I conclude every umpire clinic with something like Remember the umpire that you respected when you played. Chances are that he was on time, fair and treated you decently. Be that guy! The next generation comes from the people sitting on the sides or wearing the uniform. Set the example now - we dont have to be perfect, but we have to give the game our best. Work the game, like your boss kid was playing.
Triple H, I'm flattered. That was thoughtful, concise and logical. Exactly what I've been talking about for over 6 months. You are correct in your assertion that it is more likely to take place with two veterans working serious ball. They know that while the skills may be refined, the errors in judgement are more aggregious (and usually on video tape!)
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