|
I remember one game I was doing solo with R2 and R3, less then two out.
Batter hits a line shot to F7 that the fielder has to run in and dive for. I'm watching the fielder dive for the ball, make the catch, roll on the ground and then stand up and throw the ball AND at the same time trying to see what R3 is doing with regards to tagging up. As soon as I see F7 still has the ball I check R2, who's about two steps off the bag and running towards third.
End of play had R3 scoring and R2 standing on third. Defensive manager yells to get them to appeal that R2 let early. I call the runner safe. Out comes the manager saying that the runner never went back to tag the base.
I simply explained what my priorities were on the play:
1) Legal catch
2) Tag up of R3
3) Tag up of R2
I admitted that when I checked R2 he was about 2 steps off the bag which was close enough for me. If R2 was half way to third when I checked then he might have an arguement but being the only umpire means that you have to have priorities about what your looking for.
The manager still wasn't happy and insisted that the runner didn't tag up but I simply told him that if he wasn't happy that he should try to persuede more of his players to take up umpiring so we wouldn't be so short year after year.
|