True Confessions - Your Analysis and Eval?

[Carl Childress]

Originally posted by Whowefoolin
I rarely post, just read. But I fill so tempted... A couple things. Carl, when an official sees one of the 5 things to over turn a call, does he/she automatically take over the call and over-turn, or do they need to go to their partner and let them decide with the information he was given? When does the ump seeing the violation take over jurisdiction?

Foolin: Thanks for nothing! It's an excellent question, one that always generates its own 50-post thread. Practice differs, depending on the crew, the level, the "infraction."

Here's the professional practice:

(1/2) "the dropped ball" and "over-the-fence" ball are easy. The umpire with additional information simply comes us and tells the responsible umpire what's what. It's seen most often in the "over-the-fence" ball.

(3) They also do that for misinterpreted rules. Rocky Roe called a balk because a pitcher threw from the rubber to unoccupied third base to appeal that a runner left too soon. Durwood Merrill popped over from first to correct that mistake -- without waiting to be asked.

(4) Two umpires at one base: That was "modeled" by John Kibler, Ed Vargo, and Al Barlick. Kibler (U2) and Vargo (U1) both show up at second. Kibler: "Out!" Vargo: "Safe!" Manager Alston to PU Barlick: "What the hell we gonna do?" Barlick: "It's John's base; we're going with that." "Out!" is was.

(5) Changing the call on a half swing, of course, is a complete no-brainer.

I recommend following the professional practice. The point: They deal in games where thousands of dollars are wagered; if it's good enough for the Mafia, it's good enough for me.

Lots of amateurs and green, pro-school graduates would never think of helping another umpire get a call changed, even when it's legal. "My call, my blunder!" "Umpire dignity." "I'm not messing in another umpire's business."

Poppy-cock: If the play is one of those where tradition sanctions an umpire getting/giving help, by all means do so. Good Lord: The guys in "The Show" do it all the time. Why can't we?

Foolin: Remember, though, we're getting help only when it's legal to do so.