Out or safe? Video Play

[SouthGARef]

http://www.bullochheadlinenews.com/i...y baseball.wmv

I want to discuss the play at the 1:45 mark. But first, a little background.

This was my first Varsity game, and a rivalry--these two teams are always the top two in their region from what I've heard. I thought I did a pretty good job behind the plate. If you veterans see anything on the clip (granted they don't highlight the umpires) that you pick up that I do that is incorrect, let me know.

My base umpire had strained his calf earlier in the game so I was taking everything at third except for steals. So on the play in question, I was cheating towards third. Once I realized we were about to have a play at the plate, I busted my chops and got as close as I could.

Well, close wasn't good enough. As you can tell when the play happens, I'm not even in the screen until I make my call (I came to a complete stop when I realized the tag was eminent). Having to cover third had me in what I feel was a terrible position.

My question for you guys is, if I hadn't had to cover third as much, where do you feel proper positioning would have been on the play? I think right behind home plate would have left me a pretty good angle to tell if there was indeed a tag, and if the tag was before the runner scored.

The camera angle is not great, I know. But after further review, I believe the runner was probably out.

Discuss amongst yourselves, and thanks.

[Buckeye12]

I can't get your link to work. Are you sure it's correct? Any other suggestions on how to access this page?

[SouthGARef]

It really should work fine. Works fine for me. If not, go to this site:

www.bullochheadlinenews.com And on the right side it should have a sports section. Click on Portal falls to Calvary 10-3 or on the "See video" link under the story.

[ozzy6900]

You did what you had to do. It looks like you got close enough and you saw the play and made the call. The video is not in the right place to second guess you. Besides, the White team pretty much sucks on defense so it's not your fault! I think that it was a great job of covering for your partner.

Regards

[pingswinger]

Other than being out of position because your partner was hurt, I also noticed you signal out with your left hand. Also, your head looked like it was on a needle--way to much movement. Just some constructive criticism for you. Was your partner hurt during that game. Maybe he should have given that game back if he new he was hurt. Did you have a ball bag on? I couldn't see one.

[SouthGARef]

Originally Posted by pingswinger

Other than being out of position because your partner was hurt, I also noticed you signal out with your left hand. Also, your head looked like it was on a needle--way to much movement. Just some constructive criticism for you. Was your partner hurt during that game. Maybe he should have given that game back if he new he was hurt. Did you have a ball bag on? I couldn't see one.

He was hurt in the third inning. Yes, had a ball bag.

[LMan]

Linkee no workee. I think my office has a filter for any news from South Georgia

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by SouthGARef

He was hurt in the third inning. Yes, had a ball bag.

You have the ball bag on to far forward. Move it back one belt loop. It should be on your side not the front.

[bellsjc]

Yea... on that swinging 3rd strike, what was that strike 3 and/or out call you did with your left hand? NEVER call a strike or an out with your left hand.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

NEVER call a strike or an out with your left hand.

Unless you don't have a right hand.

[Don Mueller]

Your partner was in C to start that play. I'd have only taken third when he was in A or B. What's the point in him moving to C if he wasn't going to take the call?

[SAump]

Originally Posted by SouthGARef

http://www.bullochheadlinenews.com/i...y baseball.wmv

I want to discuss the play at the 1:45 mark.

So on the play in question, I was cheating towards third. Once I realized we were about to have a play at the plate, I busted my chops and got as close as I could.

Well, close wasn't good enough. As you can tell when the play happens, I'm not even in the screen until I make my call (I came to a complete stop when I realized the tag was eminent). Having to cover third had me in what I feel was a terrible position.

The camera angle is not great, I know. But after further review, I believe the runner was probably out.

Discuss amongst yourselves, and thanks.

Note: Deleted parts from original post above.

Close is not where you want to be. I say this from a POV that you never really want to be too close. The action tends to "blow up" when you're up close to it. I saw that you were on the lip of the circle and made the call in the dirt area. Looks like you were closer to the action than you seem to believe and you don't appear to have moved much closer to sell the SAFE call. I really would have never known that you "hustled back to position" and failed to be there on time. I see nothing wrong with that position.

I beg to differ with you goal of being too close and in a terrible position. I also beg to differ on the call. I looked at the video as many times as I could and couldn't tell if the catcher swiped the top foot. That was from my angle. You had a much better angle than the camera lense. It wouldn't have been any better on 3BLX. {Remember you said you couldn't get there.} You made the safe call so I assume you didn't see a swipe tag on the top foot. Those are the FACTS presented in the play in question.

Now I saw a diving catcher come UP angry as if he applied the tag. I also saw a runner slap hands in a self-congratulatory gesture for getting there first. Well, if the tag was applied, I am sure you would have seen it and come UP with the OUT call. Because you didn't, it appears that the catcher tried to tag the runner by the time the runner was over the plate. It was that close. Then the catcher appeared to be disgusted with your call. What could he know diving back at a sliding runner? This may have created some doubt in your mind.

GET RID of the DOUBT.

[canadaump6]

Looked like a good call to me.

[canablue05]

just a couple of comments.

1). Did the first runner touch home? Poor camera angle, but it looked like you were tracking the ball as the runner crossed in.

2). Where were the runners at TOP? I'm presuming 3rd and 2nd, or else that's one hell of a fast runner scoring on a single from 1st. It looked like your partner would have been able to fade over to third for a play there if need be. As others have suggested there is no reason he shouldn't be able to cover 3rd from C, sore calf or otherwise. I'm presuming the 2nd runner coming home was on 2nd. If this is the case stay home. On a single that's where the plays going to be.

3). To me this is 3BX situation. It would have opened the play up more, and you would have an unobstructed view of the tag.

4). I thought it was a good sell job on the 'safe' call. Maybe add a point afterwards with a quick explanation such as 'he missed him'...just a side thought.

As SAump said: "GET RID of the DOUBT."

Just my two cents worth.

[PeteBooth]

No need to add to what others have already said other than:

I know you want to "cheat" at third to aid your partner but if there is a pretty good chance that there could be a close play at the plate, then your partner is going to have to take those calls the best he can. He was in "C" so it should not have been that difficult.

In your play you ended up in good position because of where the throw was (F2 having to make a swipe tag), however, if the throw had been towards the right side (first base side) of the plate and the player slid into home you would have been out of position and not had a very good angle of the play because you were cheating towards third.

Your prime responsibility even if your partner is "hurting" is home plate, therefore, in the future if there is any play that could be imminent concerning home plate simply tell your partner he is on his own. Your partner if "ailing" is the one who should be "cheating" not you.


Also, if you new about the injury at pre-game perhaps your partner should have the dish since he couldn't move to cover the base responsibilities.

My second point is:

Who taped this game?
IMO, this is an excellent way to evaluate umpires if your association is the one who taped it or
Is this game on some local cable channel and you get a copy

Pete Booth