Quote:
Originally posted by Skahtboi
Quote:
Originally posted by Justme
Guess I'm going to get 'slamned' too.
When I'm working a HS softball game and I see the ball hit the ground or get past F2 on a check swing (when there are 2 strikes) I do not change the call from a ball to a strike when asked. Sometimes changing the call causes more problems than it solves. My partner doesn't have to use a secret code, I just don't change the ball call.
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You don't change the ball call, even if you clearly see the batter offer at the pitch??? Do you ever worry what that might do to your integrity when the coaches figure out that you don't want to make the tough call?
I don't understand why this is so difficult. If you feel the batter went for the pitch, why not call it? Especially in the higher levels of ball, such as HS and college, where the players and coaches know the risks.
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I guess I'm lucky (and honored) to work with some very experienced umpires both in softball & baseball (a lot of them work both). I have not seen, at least not in many years, one of them miss an obvious checked strike. But to be honest, if they did miss one, and everyone in the house saw it but my partner, then yes, I'd have to change the call if asked. But hopefully, the batter would know it too and be running hard for 1B. But if it's marginal I don't change the call in a 2 strike situation when the ball is on the ground, even if I would have with no/one strike.
Did s/he go? It's a judgment call for the BU right? If the defensive even thinks it's close what are they going to say when you don't change the call? Nice call Blue? Of course not. In this situation they never think you make the tough calls. But just go over and ask the offensive coach :-).
That's why I really like the baseball mechanic that gets me into trouble on this board when I mention it. It eliminates this problem.