Fri Mar 22, 2013, 11:07am
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Stirrer of the Pot
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Lowcountry, SC
Posts: 2,380
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
What it really says is when, in the umpire's judgment, an infielder can catch the fly ball with ordinary effort. The umpire's manual also states that this should be called at the ball's apex. So, if the ball goes up and, IMJ, an infielder can catch that ball with ordinary effort, I make the call, I don't wait for it to come. And, yes, the player's position and posture along with possible help from my partner will be taken into consideration, but again, I'm not waiting for it to come back to earth to make the call.
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JMO, but I think the guidance in the umpire's manual on calling the IFF at the ball's apex is for "normal" circumstances. When you have anything extraordinary like significant weather conditions, I feel you really should wait and see. A lot can happen (as it did in my game) as the ball comes down. I cannot justify ruling IFF when the fielder can't get to the ball even if she dove for it.
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"Let's face it. Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can't resist." -- Bob Uecker
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