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Originally posted by Gre144
I think I blew another call with R1 stealing to second. Any suggestions on how to get it right when there is a close play at second on a steal from first base?
First off you said close play, which to me means a banger. In that case you are not going to please everybody so that means one side will give the oo's and ahs and the other side will say good call blue. That's the nature of the business.
Jim P has given you the proper and taught mechanic for this type of play. Now you have to sell it, so you seem sure of your call.
NOTE: If you are going to make a call opposite of what everybody expects - give more details of the call. Ie; Ball is in time to get runner but tag is up high. Now in addition to the safe call as someone else mentioned, you also say "under the tag" or if it's a swiping type of tag and F4 or F6 misses the runner say "He missed the tag".
Conversely, if it appears the runner is safe and you make the out call, point to the area in which the runner was tagged. You see PRO umpires do this all the time. With there left hand they point to the tagged area and then ring up the runner with their right hand.
IMO the more information about a call we can give the better. Also, you must learn to SELL a call even if you are unsure. If a coach senses an unsureness about your call, he / she will be on you like a chicken on a worm for not only that call but future close calls. Do not give them that amunition.
As far as blowing a call we all do. The important thing is not to dwell on it so that it effects your next call. Learn from your mistake and improve the next time.
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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