Check swing, to help or not to help...

[jkumpire]

In fact, where I work, I get guys who say, "If I'm inside, I can't tell, don't ask me." then it is usually a long day... In reply, "if you're not sure he did, it's a ball". "Still, don't ask me". Ugh.

I also had an umpire friend (works independent pro and NCAA), who was coaching a HS team in a District final. R1, 1 out, 1-2. There's a check, R1 is running. R1 is safe. My friend asks for an appeal of the check swing. PU asks, the BU yells in, "I don't know."

"WHAT?", screams my friend. "You got two answers, and that ain't one of them."
BU replies, "I was worried about the runner stealing, so I don't know. Now shut up and sit down."

The guy was the highest rated umpire in his District by the District's coaches.