Quote:
Originally posted by Skahtboi
So Mike, are you saying that if you think something else may have happened, such as the case that I gave where I was facing the setting sun, but that you aren't sure, you make the call with the information that you have and never seek additional information unless there is a request made by either bench?
I am one of those who believe in getting the call right is more important than ballfield protocol.
Scott
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I'm saying that if I'm not sure, I give up the call. If I make a call, I make the call based on what my brain has processed what my eyes tell it they have seen. I have noted before that I cannot make a FYC for the same reason.
Yesterday, I had comparable experiences. On one play, there was a play at first and even though the ball beat the batter, F3 seemed to be searching for the base with his foot. If I had to make a call, I probably would have ruled the runner out based on the ball beating the BR and F3 having plenty of time to hit the bag prior to the BR arriving. But, because I was not sure and I could see my partner was in a position to make the call, I gave it to him and he ruled the BR out. No argument, no complaints, no problem.
On another play in an earlier game, I'm the BU when F4 threw to 3B trying to catch a runner who rounded the base wide. I was already inside as the ball was coming from the OF. Third base was the plate umpire's call, but when I looked up, the PU was nowhere to be found. I verbalize in a low voice safe and then the SS directs me toward the plate where I see the PU, still standing about 7 feet behind HP showing a hammer. Unfortunately, even though I have a great angle, it was "officially" his base, his call, so I backed off. The problem was that this guy is about 65 years old and not at all mobile, so I inappropriately assumed the responsibility for the call.
The offense took offense to this "double-call" and decided to take the opportunity to inform me how bad I sucked as an umpire. I have no problem taking the heat as they had a legitimate complaint about the double call. I could not have done any more than what I did to tell them to talk to the other umpire as I know he would have come to me and the call would have been changed. The team didn't want to hear it, they would rather ***** at me that ask for an appeal. I literally told the idio....er, runner on 2B that all he needs to do is ask the PU to request help. That went nowhere as this guy is too stu....involved to hear what I am saying. Eventually, F4 walked over to the player and said, "Are you stupid? He is telling you how to get your call back and you are just standing there screaming." The player basically ignored him and continued on me.
Regardless, I was not going to go to my partner without being requested even though I know the call is wrong. Like it or not, the teams do have some responsibilities out there.