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A funny one happened years ago in a 12U rec BB game, runners at 1B and 2B, one out, routine ground ball to SS. Tinkers to Evers to Chance is running through my mind as I move out from behind the plate to the right side to take the play at 2B and then to 1B.
But there is no ball! SS went to 3B and all I see is a cloud of dust. I immediately pointed to the 3B coach and yelled, "your call!" "Out," he replied, with a pretty good hammer.
Learned then never to anticipate.
A cruder lesson was hammered home a few years ago in the 18U Championship game at a summer tournament. Though I had been umpiring for many years, I was still struggling with my base mechanics. Anyway, runner on 2B, soft liner to LF. Runner hesitates so I quickly move in front of her to get inside. Then she goes and I pivot and only need a few steps to 3B - where I nearly run into the PU in perfect position to make the call. He does - then turns to me and snarls, "Git the F out of here - that is my call!" He said it in a way that I was the only one to hear it - and hear it I did!
Since that day, I make sure that I watch "my runners" and when the lead runner passes 2B I don't even look back.
WMB
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