[NewUmpinCT]

New ump here (2nd year) and I (base ump) had a situation arise in a JV game with a more veteran partner (6 yrs plate ump).

No outs and runners on 1st and 3rd. Batter swings at strike 3 in dirt and runs towards first base. The catcher takes off after the batter/runner and tags him out about 45 feet up 1st base line. I hesitated making a call because my partner should have called the batter out immediately as 1st base was occupied and it was not 2 outs. Runner from 3rd started to come home, but went back to 3rd. Runner on 1st never started to advance.

Next batter... basically the same thing occurs (arrrrgggghhhh in my head, but not out loud.) This time catcher throws to first base - again I hesitated but make out signal. Runner on first never advanced again, but R3 scored on play.

In between innings, I went to discuss both scenarios with my partner and he agreed he blew the call on loudly insisting batter is out. No problem there, however, the defensive coach comes over and rants about blow call allowed run to score in a close game... He did also say so after the 2nd strike 3 in the dirt. I never uttered a word, letting my partner explain everything to the coach. He did own up to the fact that he should have yelled batter out.

In that event, nothing could be done because the catcher should know the rules in my eyes and shouldn't have bothered throwing to first. Correct?

Then 3rd hypothetical situation (discussed after game with partner): Bases loaded, 2 outs. Strike 3 in dirt to batter. He advances towards first legally this time. Catcher does NOT throw to first but tags home to "put out" R3 as he is "forced" to run towards the plate. Can this be done OR does the catcher have to throw the batter/runner out at first?

Also, I know catcher interference on a pitched ball (catcher's glove is hit by swinging bat) is an award of 1st base for the batter. What if the catcher pops up and I the plate ump don't see it, (note there was also a foul tip to the backstop on the play) but the batter and offensive coach are going crazy... I did not award anything because I couldn't and didn't see it.

Any help or comments appreciated...

Thanks everyone.