7-8-06 Cardinals @ Astros

[scottyman51]

There were guys on first and second and there was a hit to the outfielder,the runner on second came around and scored,then the ball went to the cutoff and the throw was to home for the runner that was on first,after the safe call was made my me at home the assistant coach from the team that was in the field made a scene saying he never touched third. So it was the second runner,or the guy on first. My base ump was doing his duties at first and second since the throw could have(and probably should have)gone to second to get the out. My boss happened to see the play and said we were both in the right position,and that if the runner did miss the bag,he missed it short,which would have been hard to see for the base ump anyway.

I commited to home since that in my oppinion was the more important base at that time. Usually I work in a 3 man crew but we had two that night. I'm not all that concered the run didnt make an outcome in the game anyway,i was just stating that it happened to me.

[RPatrino]

I agree that in a 2 man crew it can be difficult to watch everything going on. I think what we sometimes get 'fixated' on watching players running around we forget that there is no reason to have our eyes anywhere but on the baseball unless the baseball takes us to a base or player. Somewhere we have lost the concept of "watch the ball, glance at the runner's".

My point, our "job" is to watch for touch/tags at the bases we are responsible for, and to cover "plays" at those bases when the ball and runner ends up there. Any other time, all eyes should be on the ball. In most cases, as PU, you will have time to glance at runner's rounding third for the touch, and still be able to make the call at the plate.

You are correct in those rare cases where you can't watch for a touch, you have to call the runner safe on appeal.