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FED Varsity, no outs, R1 on 3B, R2 on 1B, new batter. R1 is stealing on the pitch. Pitch is low, batter swings and misses (I think). F2 is unable to catch ball, R2 goes into 2B standing up. I look at partner; his hands are not in the air. The ball is returned to F1, batter steps back in, pitcher gets ready - but I am still thinking about the last pitch.
I call time and confer with partner: "Did you have any inclination that ball was tipped? Was that a foul?" He said that he wasn't sure, but he thought it was. Neither of us were sure, but two separate opinions reinforced the thought that it had been tipped.
I announced "foul ball, the ball is dead," pointed at R2 and said "runner must return." Runner returned, coach didn't say a word, and the game went on. Later that night I reviewed that particular play and wondered if I had acted correctly. I identified three umpiring options here: which one would you choose?
1) Our obligation is to get the play right, regardles of what it takes.
2) If time has elapsed and no one has questioned your call, do you possibly open up a "can of worms" by reversing your call?
3) Do you make a call that takes away the player's accomplishment on the play if you are not positive?
WMB
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