Changing a call...

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Old Time Ump

Mr. Ozzy, "If in doubt get help before you make the call"? What is happening with respect to the other runners who might be in motion and the fielders who are decidng [sic] whether to make a play somewhere else.? Surely you meant this only when there is no one on base.

Why would you need help with no one on base? These are the plays everyone should get right every time, without ever having to ask for help. I can count on one hand the number of times I've needed help on a swipe tag or pulled foot, and it's always been from inside the diamond, not from position "A,"

The proper mechanic is to ask for help before making a call when in doubt. I've had coaches come out and ask me to ask for help after calling a runner out, but I turn them right around and send them back, telling them that if I had had any doubt, I would have gone to my partner before I made the call. Don't let coaches goad or pressure you to "ask the other man." This is listed right there in the general instructions to umpires in the rule book.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Old Time Ump

Mr. Ozzy, "If in doubt get help before you make the call"? What is happening with respect to the other runners who might be in motion and the fielders who are decidng whether to make a play somewhere else.? Surely you meant this only when there is no one on base.

Old Time Ump? Okay, I'll cut some slack this time!

Most of the time that this situation arises will be when you are in the "A" position - no runners on! This is where most people fail to see the pulled foot. Now if you fail to see this when you are inside the diamond, you really need to consider being outside the fence during a baseball game!

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Old Time Ump? Okay, I'll cut some slack this time!

Most of the time that this situation arises will be when you are in the "A" position - no runners on! This is where most people fail to see the pulled foot. Now if you fail to see this when you are inside the diamond, you really need to consider being outside the fence during a baseball game!

That's just plain wrong, as SanDiegoSteave, I believe, pointed out clearly upstream.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Old Time Ump? Okay, I'll cut some slack this time!

Most of the time that this situation arises will be when you are in the "A" position - no runners on! This is where most people fail to see the pulled foot. Now if you fail to see this when you are inside the diamond, you really need to consider being outside the fence during a baseball game!

I rarely disagree with you, but I do believe the exact opposite is true. When in "A," you have the opportunity to move toward the line to see a swipe tag, and for a pulled foot you are right there in perfect position to see it. The only time you should end up needing help is when you get straight-lined or screened, which normally happens when you get a bad angle working inside the diamond. In "A," one should be able to get his own plays.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I rarely disagree with you, but I do believe the exact opposite is true. When in "A," you have the opportunity to move toward the line to see a swipe tag, and for a pulled foot you are right there in perfect position to see it. The only time you should end up needing help is when you get straight-lined or screened, which normally happens when you get a bad angle working inside the diamond. In "A," one should be able to get his own plays.

Disagree? Hell, this is not disagreeing, this is showing your view on the situation! I have always seen the problem with rookies trying to get the angle and loosing sight of the play. You know, in the days before 2SF! Now, I've never run into the problem in the infield but now that you point it out, if you don't use the "working area" and move your butt a little, you could be severely out of position there-by missing the pulled foot. Sorry, I worked too hard on that mechanic in my younger so that it wouldn't happen.

But note, disagree with me again and.........................

Regards,
Ozzy