[Bfair]

Originally posted by PeteBooth


You can't compare basketball or football to baseball and here's why.

Sitch: r1/r3 last inning 1 OUT HT up Game tied.

B1 grounds to F4 who attempts to apply a tag on r1.

Let's Freeze for a moment. This call by the umpire is CRUCIAL in determining F4's next move. If U2 calls R1 out, there's a real good chance F4 will flip to F3 for the inning ending DP and send the game into extra innings.

However, if U2 calls Safe, F4 will fire home and try to get R3 or the game is over.

Now after dust settles, U2 missed the call. At this point because of CONTINUOUS action an umpire has to LIVE with the call. It's almost impossible to go back in time and fix - that's why under certain circumstances you LIVE with the call.

Pete, in this play the BU knows the PU is NOT in position to help. He does not have an known angle where he'd obtain better information than the responsible official. Little help should be expected on this play.

Still, it is a good example of an experienced official recognizing a situation where it would be difficult to change a call. IMO, this is far more the exception than the plays that occur with BU starting in C position and resulting in a pulled foot or a swipe tag on the 1B line. PU's are trained to watch for those in case help is needed. Weren't you?

Do you throw away the bushel because of one bad apple?
Many, and I hazard to say most, errors on a pulled foot or swipe tag are candidates for change if obviously blown. Still, proper mechanics will help get the call right to start with.

Originally posted by PeteBooth

On the play in question, this BU got lucky in that the PU could help him, but in most situations with r3, the PU cannot help you especially if r3 is heading for home.

I totally disagree with this statement. The PU was doing his job.
Most PU's will still be watching the play along the 1B line in order to aid their partner if needed. Most can chew gum and walk at the same time. Far more problems occur along the 1B line than with an uncontested R3 scoring. Pete, most PU's are aware of that and are prepared to aid their partner in a 2-man system. Weren't you? Would you care to post about the numerous appeals you've had at home on this play?


Just my opinion,

Freix




[Edited by Bfair on Jul 4th, 2002 at 03:42 PM]