Umpire Call Changed

[Rich]

Originally Posted by David B

The proper way to handle these type of situations is when the coach comes to the PU, he should be sent to the BU.

Then if the BU wants to seek further information he can ask for a conference with his PU.

Some are too quick to point out the haste the PU had and thats legit.

Sounds like the BU was out of position (big mistake) or a young umpire who didn't know what to do next.

But its so easy for spectators to jump to conclusions. Heard the exact same thing on the radio the other night as I returned from my playoff game.

Announcer: throw to first and the BU doesn't see the play and asks the PU to make the call (ugh)

Either bad mechanics or as usual the announcer didn't know what he was talking about.

WHat do they say, perception is sometimes reality...

Thanks
David

Problem is, so many (including umpires) think it shows a willingness to work together rather than a deficiency in the other umpire.

I had a home run ball down the line. Plate umpire called it foul. Right at the time it crossed the fence I glanced down to make sure that the BR touched first base. The first base coach couldn't BELIEVE that I wasn't looking at the home run ball. We were working 2-man and the ball was NOT a slam dunk over the fence ball.

An umpire in A should never need to get help on a pulled foot, swipe tag, or any other squirrel. I wouldn't even entertain asking the plate umpire, even if asked in the nicest possible way.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

I had a home run ball down the line. Plate umpire called it foul. Right at the time it crossed the fence I glanced down to make sure that the BR touched first base. The first base coach couldn't BELIEVE that I wasn't looking at the home run ball. We were working 2-man and the ball was NOT a slam dunk over the fence ball.

Rich,

I'm having a hard time picturing this the way you have written it. You were the BU, correct? You went out on the ball down the line from A? The PU called it foul? How did you glance at 1st base if you went out? Why did PU make the call? I am really confused on this one.

An umpire in A should never need to get help on a pulled foot, swipe tag, or any other squirrel. I wouldn't even entertain asking the plate umpire, even if asked in the nicest possible way.

The original sitch had the BU in B or C (I believe). You are right. Nobody should ever need help on their calls at 1st base when working in A.

And after re-reading, it did not specify the position of the BU, but where else but in the middle could he be and still not see the tag properly?

[RPatrino]

David, how can you assume that the BU was out of position on this play? The original post states that the BR was called out on the tag, and that the U1 called it as such. Sounds to me that the coach was just trolling for a "second opinion", he set the hook and he caught something. That's bad!!!

This brings up the importance of a thorough pre-game meeting between partners. Make sure you both ( or all of you) know that no one will approach a partner without being asked by the partner.

I reiterate that in the pre-game plate meeting . " If you want to discuss a call, ask for time, when it is granted, go to the umpire who made the call. We want to get the call right." If they forget (they always do), and if they come to me on my partners call, I redirect them.

Something I also discuss in the partner pre-game is the concept of asking for help on plays where my partner might need it, before the coach even asks. This saves a lot of time and eliminates problems. It goes something like this, "partner, if you need my help, just ask, but do it before the coach says something".

Now, if my partner has a good look at the play, and he/she is convinced they got it right, how can I jump in and "over rule" that? Do other's have a different approach to handling this?

Bob P.

[David B]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

David, how can you assume that the BU was out of position on this play? The original post states that the BR was called out on the tag, and that the U1 called it as such. Sounds to me that the coach was just trolling for a "second opinion", he set the hook and he caught something. That's bad!!!

This brings up the importance of a thorough pre-game meeting between partners. Make sure you both ( or all of you) know that no one will approach a partner without being asked by the partner.

I reiterate that in the pre-game plate meeting . " If you want to discuss a call, ask for time, when it is granted, go to the umpire who made the call. We want to get the call right." If they forget (they always do), and if they come to me on my partners call, I redirect them.

Something I also discuss in the partner pre-game is the concept of asking for help on plays where my partner might need it, before the coach even asks. This saves a lot of time and eliminates problems. It goes something like this, "partner, if you need my help, just ask, but do it before the coach says something".

Now, if my partner has a good look at the play, and he/she is convinced they got it right, how can I jump in and "over rule" that? Do other's have a different approach to handling this?

Bob P.

If you are in position you will never have to ask anyone about a call.

The only way you have to ask is if you are out of position. I'm not saying that I've never asked for help on a play, but out of many thousands of calls, I can count on one hand the number of times (with the checked swing being the exception)

The BU is to call the bases and its his call, not the PU.

I've had several instances this year when even with a good pregame I've had the BU out of position and looking at me as PU for help.

Make the call and live with it (that will make you a better ump down the road)

Thanks
David