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Originally posted by gordon30307
Quote:
Originally posted by jicecone
Quote:
Originally posted by mcrowder
My question, though, is this - if you KNOW you are straightlined, or because of other action may not have the best angle, what motivates you to make a call (perhaps the call you have in your heart) without help when you are aware that you may not have all the information, and you are aware that the missing information is available if you would only ask.
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Can't speak for anyone else here, but the motivation that gives you the confidence to make that call, is experience. Seeing the situation in front of you enough times, that you just KNOW your right. Can this lead to arrogance, you bet. That is the fine line ALL good officials have to walk, all the time.
Once you achieve this plateau of confidence through experience, well it just does'nt enter your mind that "you may not have all the information". You know you do.
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I want to make sure I understand your post. Are you saying based upon what you have seen in the past even though you are reasonably sure (not 100%) you are correct you wouldn't go to your partner for help? My question to you would be why is there a mechanic in a two man system where the plate umpire is required to help the base umpire with plays at first? If I'm misunderstanding your post please clarify.
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The plate umpire follows down the line for reasons having nothing to do with pulled feet, swipe tags, and other squirrels. There could be interference or the ball could get away and the PU needs to be in position to do his job.
I've been asked many times for help in games from LL through HS varsity. Without fail, the umpire asking for help is hopelessly out of position. If the umpire is still on the third base side of the mound when making a call at first (or asking help) he hasn't moved and worked to get into position. Step up, turn, RUN using cross teps and work to get an ANGLE. The proper angle is 90 degrees to the throw, or usually towards the 45' line -- how can a throw come "right towards an umpire" if the umpire is getting the right angle?
Reading a throw is a critical skill I don't see many umpires make. A last second step, lean, and look can make the difference between making the right call and not making the right call. The thing that disturbs me is that many umpires don't even try. They take the field with the attitude that the plate umpire is standing on the field holding a blankie that the base umpire can grab onto. I had to bail a guy out last season that was closer to third base than to the mound on a routine ground ball to short with a runner on second base.
See, I am always in position to give help. Tee would say the same thing because we've had this conversation in person. I don't take any partner for granted. But I'd probably not expect to be asked if Tee was my partner. Or Garth. Or people that I have faith in....