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Rich,
This may take a little time:
We had an extensive pre-game over lunch and discussed many, many things.
Because of state training we DO NOT go out on all fly balls. (PBUC goes out on all fly balls with three man crew and CCA does not). At our pre-game we talked extensively about going out when needed especially if the number of umpires left were equal to or greater than the runners.
We were told that the field was fully enclosed. The only areas of concern were the tarp area and both bullpens.
Because of the tight game schedule we DID NOT walk around the field (we did do this at all other local playoff games) and check for “difficult” areas.
Now the play and my thinking:
The play was in the top of the first inning in the Oregon 6A State Championship Game. The ball was hit hard by a right handed batter and it squirreled between F3 and the first base bag. It was clearly NOT a fair/foul type ball.
As I turned to pause and read I saw the ball slicing towards the RF corner. I also noticed at that instant that there was a banner hanging from the inside of the fence. I determined at that time that with a single batter runner and two additional umpires that it would look extremely bad if some how, when that rapidly moving ground ball hit the bottom support of the fence, if it hopped up behind the banner there would need to be a call.
I decided at that time this was a potential "trouble ball."
I decided to go out at that point.
One runner. Two umpires. It seemed logical too me.
Again, I WISH I had given a “SAFE” sign when the ball bounced off the fence and came back to the fielder. Other than that I have no reason to question the decision I made.
Question to all of you:
Was what I did "bad"?
The 20 or so High School umpires in attendence seemed satidfied that I made a decision and stuck with it (there were also comments about my speed surprising them since I am a "Fat and OLD" man).
What are the negative possibilities tied to my going out (please note the PU did fill in behind me as mechanics dictate)?
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