[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark Land
[B]Discussion from another board on which I would like your input. Please excuse the long wind up before the question. Situation: R1. B/R hits ball down sharply in front of the plate; it bounces high into the air to F1. As soon as F1 gloves the ball, UIC (erroneously) yells, "OUT!" R1 continues to 2nd; B/R stops running. F1 throws to 1st. The initial question was: What does BU do when UIC makes his call. The only opinion offered was nothing during the play. If UIC asks BU after the play BU could tell UIC what he saw. The question then becomes: what do you do now? UIC now realizes he was wrong.

I'll answer in 2 parts - 1st on mechanics and then the ruling

Mechanics: These types of plays should be discussed in the Pre-game with your partner. This play reminds of when B1 swings and the ball hits him in the box. The BU will make this call because the action is right in front of him as opposed to behind the action as is the PU's view. F2 can block the Pu's view on this type of play.

In my pre-game I will tell the BU - anytime you see the ball hit the batter in the box - "Kill it". Again communication with one's partner.

Now for the ruling - since the PU made an out call as soon as F1 gloved it - he thought that the ball was caught in flight. This is a misinterpretation of the playing rules.

Now BU at this point cannot say anything because another umpire already made a call. After the play you get together with your partner and discuss and here is what I would rule.

Since by definition we do not have a ball caught in flight - I would keep r1 and second since he was forced to vacate first. The out call on B1 would stand. If this were the third out it's unfortunate for the offense. The PU would have to "eat" that call and learn from his mistake. Since F1 gloved it, chances are B1 would have been out anyhow.

Hey umpires make mistakes too we all have to learn from them.


Pete Booth