Quote:
Originally posted by gsf23
So you are saying that you would get help if no one questioned the original call? Unless someone is questioning the original call, why would you need to go get help?
|
Why not? You would get help or give help because you have an obviously wrong call. Like the ball being completely dropped on a force out or the ball hitting the ground or not hitting the ground on a swinging strike.
Quote:
Originally posted by gsf23
Also, I have never seen them get together and conference on a play unless a manager or player is questioning the original call.
|
Let me ask you this, did they get help "because" the call was questioned by a player or was that already the case? I know of many situations where a coach complains and no one asks or receives help on a call. I am not so sure it is a result of the gripping from the coach.
Quote:
Originally posted by gsf23
Personally, I never ask for an appeal on a check swing unless the catcher requests it, and most the time, it is the coach telling the catcher to ask for the appeal. If it's not close, then I just deny the appeal. I've seen very few MLB umps ask for an appeal unless a catcher requests it first or it's a checked swing dropped third strike.
|
The catcher pointing is not really an appeal. You see catchers at the HS and college level point to the umpire because they see it on TV. I do not consider a point as a real request for an appeal in the first place. I ask all the time regardless of what the catcher does. If the catcher pops up and screens me from the view of the batter, I will ask myself. The catcher pointing has not bearing on when I ask for an appeal. As a matter of fact, I have denied appeals if it is clear the batter did not go at all after a pitch.
Quote:
Originally posted by gsf23
I'd like to believe you, Jeff, so please tell us about a few times that you went to get help or offered help on a call without first a coach or player asking to get help.
|
I asked for help just this past season. I was the PU and there was a pitch in near the dirt. I obviously did not see if the catcher catch the ball (neither did the batter) and the batter took off for first. There was a runner on second base and the runner advanced to 3rd. The batter was safe at first because of a bad throw not caught. My partner immediately starting walking toward me (This is a D1 Umpire that worked a State Final this year). He gave me a signal as well that we talked about in the pregame that is commonly used in these parts. I went to him immediately and got help. He said that the ball was caught and I ruled the batter out. The coach came out only to complain that the runner on that was on second base and advanced to third should return. We explained to the coach this was a live ball and runners could advance at their own risk. The coach went right back to the dugout without further discussion.
Quote:
Originally posted by gsf23
As much as you would like to think that a coach, player or fans have no infulence on you, they do a little. I don't think anyone is saying that you go to get help every time a coach asks, but unless someone is questioning the original call then why would you need to get or give help?
|
I guess this tie into my officiating background. As a basketball official it is very common to have a player or coach to question your calls. I do not change those or ask for help because they want me to. As a football official (Referee) almost every play a kid comes to me and claims they are being held. I know that does not change my mind. Many times I tell them why I did not make the call and what I saw. I know I do not care if a player thinks he was not tagged or his foot was on the base if I am in good position to see the entire play. I will ask when I do not have a really good angle or know my partner is watching on obvious plays, but I do not ask for help or want help based on what a coach does. Sorry, it does not.
Peace