[Tim C]

Because I like your posts I will give this one more try . . . maybe it is my writing that isn't clear.

When one makes an observation it is placed in memory.

When one makes the observation more than once the HISTORY of the occurance starts to build a data base.

Then, while the observer is not on the field, he starts to postulate "why" this occurance seems to happen over-and-over.

Certain thoughts are discarded . . . others are given critical review . . . some "pass the test"

Now on this specific issue I REALLY don't think that each umpire, each time, makes a critiacal judgement along the lines of, "let's see, that ball was over the bag, but it landed 5' foul and the third base coach didn't have a good view and the third base coach is the head coach . . ."

I think you get my drift.

My observation is:

This fair/foul call seems to be missed very often by plate umpires.

The question becomes:

Why is this call made, what appears to be, wrong . . . so many times and so consistently.

The data taken in over casual viewing of 45 years of all levels of ball is:

"The commonality "appears" to be that the call is EASIER to sell as a foul ball (i.e. HHH's 'Making the Expected Call') so many umpires make that call."

There is no formal study just a view of an old and retired umpire.

You tried to make this personal in your original post and that does not fly.

So Marty, make your calls and have a great season because this is JUST my opinion and not worth further effort to defend.