[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Kaliix

Situation: R2 and R1, no out. BR hits a chopper to F6, R2 running on the hit ball. F6 chooses to throw to F4 who relays on to 1st. F3 stretches in the direction of the base umpire for the ball. BR is called out, double play.

Coach and fans are yelling that the F1 pulled his foot off the bag. Right after the play, coach from defensive team yells from the bench for the BU to appeal to the PU.

Considering the get it right mentality along with fact that the PU has responsibilities for interference at second after the out and for the runner at third, do you ask for help?

The answer is as follows:

If you as BU are going to ask for help, then DO NOT wait for the coach to ask, simply say John did he have the bag BEFORE you make the call.

If you as BU are NOT going to ask for help, then DO NOT meaning even if coach asks you to, stick with your call.

Once you start asking for help AFTER the coach requests it, then on every other close play the coach will want you to get help and if you do it once then you will be doing it all game long.

Remember in a 2 person Crew the PU might not be in position to help you out. For example; in your play you said hit and run and we had R1/R2. After the "Normal" responsibilities of the PU are complete (meaning call the pitch; Fair Foul), the PU's job is to watch for the interference on the part of R1 at second. In addition, suppose r2 (now r3 because of the hit and run) darts for home.

If there is only R1, the PU for the most part will be able to aid you, but once we have multiple runners, responsibilities change so do not hang your parter "out to dry"

Side Note: This get it right at all cost theory deals with major league baseball where they have 4 umpires and also have to answer to the TV personnel because of the constant replays. Most of us amateurs do not have to worry about that and as mentioned there are only 2 of us.

Pete Booth