Quote:
Originally posted by scottk_61
I was working a LL Srs. game a few days back (scrimmage) and had this happen.
Bottom of the first inning.
Right handed batter takes a late swing and hits a shot down the first base line.
The ball hits the bag and ricochets into dead ball territory.
Partner behind the plate screams "FOUL BALL"
I call "Time" just to get his attention and to head off the Coach coming out of the dugout.
I tell my partner that the ball hit the bag and then went into dead ball territory and that we need to award the proper bases.
Moron behind the plate tells me that, "No, that is a foul ball."
I try to convince him to no avail, Coach tries to talk to him and he won't hear it.
It was a very long game.
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There are several issues to note about the situation with which you were faced.
- Once the ball hits the base that's the BU's FAIR/FOUL call! PU only has up to but NOT including the base. Your partner got it wrong on TWO counts!
- Since it was a call that can't normally be changed - ie. FOUL to FAIR - it may have been better not to intervene at that time. There was nothing to be achieved.
- I wouldn't try to "head off" the coach in such circumstances. If he asks the PU the right questions - eg. "What did you see, ump?" - he may well have grounds for a legitimate protest.
- It is not generally your job as BU to save your partner from his own stupidity. OTOH, immediately (and privately) telling your partner what you saw is normally the way to go on any clear rule misapplication - see point 2 for the reason this case was an exception.
I hope the coach wasn't privy to the discussions between the two umpires. I'm sure you know better than to allow that.
I might also point out that 20/20 hindsight often makes the means to handle such situations obvious on a discussion board. That same means may NOT be so obvious on the diamond in the heat of the moment. No personal criticism intended, Scott. Scrimmages are certainly the place to work such issues out, especially if your partner will be working with you in the regular season.
Cheers