Quote:
Originally posted by MNBlue
NFHS rules
I WOULD not go to my partner. I feel that sometimes you have to live with your calls, good or bad. By going to my partner, I am putting the BR in jeopardy for not making a call for whatever reason I did not make. Not fair - probably. But what is the greater unfairness.
I have had the pleasure to work with some people who would call the pitch a strike and let the chips fall where they may, since that gives everyone an equal opportunity to complete the play. My feeling is - I called the pitch a ball because I thought it was a ball. I am not now going to put the BR in jeopardy to cover up a call I may have kicked. Sometimes, I have to be the fall guy.
To the defensive coach: Coach, I called it a ball and I am sticking with my call. In NFHS rules, I don't HAVE to go to my partner for help. Life happens.
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If F2 asks you to go for help on a check swing (ball call only) then you should go for help.
Like the FED Umpire's Manual says "If the umpire calls the pitch a ball and the catcher requests help, ask for it. It is not a weakness to go for help. If in doubt , go to your partner for help before they ask."
My high school baseball association (I work both SB/BB) has adopted the Voluntary Strike Mechanic (used at higher levels of baseball) for just this situation. Here it is:
In a situation where the batter is permitted, by rule, to advance to first base on a dropped third strike, the base umpire in a two man crew, or the appropriate umpire in a three or four man crew, may immediately and voluntarily, make a strike call IF the base umpire intended to reverse the plate umpire if the plate umpire has asked. This mechanic gives the batter an immediate opportunity to run.
Example: With first base unoccupied and a 3-2 count, the batter checks his swing and the ball eludes the catcher. If the first base umpire intended to call a strike on appeal from the plate umpire, the first base umpire may make the call immediately.
The mechanic is for the base umpire to raise his right arm above his head, fist closed, and loudly and emphatically announces The batter went, the batter went.