[JRutledge]

Originally posted by mbyron

You don't have to think that umpires should get help on every call to think that Gibson should have gotten help on this one, because (a) it was a weird play where Gibson (through no fault of his) found himself out of position; (b) LaRussa came out to challenge it, and (c) Gibson was clearly wrong.

AND, this kind of play gives ammunition to those who want replay in baseball. The "get it right" mentality, whatever its defects, is designed in part to keep replay out of baseball.

I guess I still wonder what's the harm in asking? Sure, it's Gibson's call - he made it, on time, and sold it. But why not get help? "Tim, did you see the play?" McClelland: "no, I was set for the relay to first/ OR/ yes, I saw it, and he missed the tag." Either way works for me.

He believes that he made the right call. The umpire is supposed to ask for help? If his partner's had some information, I can see them getting help. You do not just ask for help if you made a call that is your call and in your area. This is not a typical "ask for help" call. This was a tag play at the base the umpire is working, you do not ask for help on plays like that. You really only get that kind of help at first base and mechanically the PU is watching the line for plays at first (pulled foot, swipe tags). That does not happen at the other bases and home plate.

Peace