Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu
ASA slow pitch game, 2 umpires. I am on the bases.
Runners on first and second, no outs.
Batter hit a line drive to fairly deep right-center where 2 outfielders converged.
As I started to come inside the diamond, I glanced at the runner at first base who was not holding and starting to advance.
I took a look at the outfielders and saw a slight collision between the fielders, with one of them making a catch, falling to the ground, and then holding the ball up in his glove showing that he made a catch.
At this point, the runner from first was about half-way to second base. As I turned, I noticed that the runner from second base was about 20 feet off the base and had started to run towards third base.
Infielders called for the ball to be thrown to second base. As the relay was coming in, the runner from second base proceeded to go home and no throw was made there. An infielder took the throw from the outfielder and stepped on second base for a live ball appeal.
I was about 15 feet away from second base inside the diamond. I called the runner out.
Offense coach asked if I could check w/ my partner claiming the runner from second had tagged up. We got together and I asked PU if he saw the runner tag up. He stated that his focus was on the play in the outfield and the collision and to make sure there was a catch. He said he only saw the runner from second in his peripheral vision, but thought that he had tagged up, but wasn't 100% sure. So I changed my initial call to safe, and the run counted.
Now to my thoughts and questions:
On tag ups, I'm clear that PU has lead runner and BU has trail runner(s). I buttonhooked inside counter-clockwise to have a view of the runner at first base. When I had completed the roughly 180 degree turn, I picked up the runner from second out of the corner of my eye.
When the live ball appeal was made, I made the call. Was this the proper protocol/mechanic? If it was a line drive to F6 and then a throw to F4 for a double play I'd have no doubts about making this call. Certainly, I wouldn't defer to PU to make that call.
But when asked to check with my partner, I was thinking that the runner at second base was the PU's responsibility. As such, I thought it proper to allow his opinion to decide the play. As a result, I changed my original call.
I was perhaps 60% certain that the runner had not tagged up given where he was when I turned from viewing the catch. I'm not sure what percentage of certainty the PU had only that he wasn't 100% sure.
Was I correct in deferring to his opinion?
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Actually, BU is responsible for both runners in this case. Your priority should be R1 (lead runner). The moment you saw the ball reach the glove (remember, the catch is not your priority here), you should glance at 2nd then 1st to check the runners. I know it can be difficult coming inside and watch the ball at the same time, but you need to be aware of the location of a ball in flight.
If unsure, it never hurts to check with your partner. Even though the PU has the ball, s/he could still help with the runners' actions prior to the event in the OF and offer some insight there.