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Originally posted by aclehn
When working a two man crew is there ever a situation where you defer to the other umpire for a call. Or do you just make the call, then ask for Help?
Do not ask for help AFTER the call do it before the call.
Example; You are in the "C" slot with R2. R2 has a good lead and ball is hit to F6. It appears for a moment that F6 might throw to F4, so you hold your ground in case you need to make a call at second, but F6 looks R2 back and then fires to F3.
The throw is a bad one and either F3 has to make a "swipe" tag or he is stretching and you don't have a good look at the position of his feet. You can do either of 2 things at this point.
1. If it's a swipe tag, and you are unsure BEFORE you make call you can point to the PU to make the call or
2. In the case of the pulled foot, you need add'l info so you can ask the PU - "was his foot on the bag" and then YOU make the call.
In any event, the proper mechanic is to ask for assistance BEFORE you make the call not AFTERWARDS.
I had this situation, two man crew, I was the field umpire. Runner on third one out. A slow ground ball hit to right side first baseman fields the ball to his right bobbeling the ball. The pitcher and second baseman come over to cover bag. The first baseman with ball in glove dives to first to tag base with his glove. I get blocked by the pitcher and the first basemans body. Do I make the call anyway or defer to homeplate umpire?
This is a situation where you will normally be on your own. The PU's PRIME responsibility is to watch r3. Since the ball was a slow roller, there's a real good chance r3 will try and score, therefore, the PU has to watch R3 touch the plate. If the PU has enough time, he /she could be in a position to aid but I wouldn't count on it or assume it.
If your partner can't help you, then "sell" the call the best you can. Give an emphatic call either way.
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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