Dark?

[canadaump6]

Lightning is not something to mess around with, but as I have said before, the rulebook states that the plate umpire makes the final call regarding suspending the game. He can take input from the base partner, but that is all the base guy can do. Practicing any other method would be disrespectful to the rules of this great game.

I think the real danger comes from umpires not fully supporting their partner's call to suspend a game. I had a situation at CDP where I called in baseball operations to fix a hole in centre field. My one partner was up in arms about it because it meant a 4 or 5 minute delay in the game. Personally I think that kind of attitude is what can really lead to safety problems.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Practicing any other method would be disrespectful to the rules of this great game.

Yes human life is trivial compared to the game of baseball. Not to mention having to defend yourself in a civil suit.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Lightning is not something to mess around with, but as I have said before, the rulebook states that the plate umpire makes the final call regarding suspending the game. He can take input from the base partner, but that is all the base guy can do. Practicing any other method would be disrespectful to the rules of this great game.

I think the real danger comes from umpires not fully supporting their partner's call to suspend a game. I had a situation at CDP where I called in baseball operations to fix a hole in centre field. My one partner was up in arms about it because it meant a 4 or 5 minute delay in the game. Personally I think that kind of attitude is what can really lead to safety problems.

By literal interpretation, yes PU has final say in suspending a game. BUT, not all interpretations are to be taken literally. What I mean is this...When BU sees lightning, he should go to his partner and say, "There's lighnting pretty close, you need to stop the game." Period. If you are going to be dead set (no pun intended) on making the PU make the final call, then you as BU should insist that he make it. He shoul dtrust what you tell him, since he can't see behind him. And in this case, if he won't, make it yourself. If for no other reason, for the liability involved. I expect my partner to help out on this. Plus, I'm not a weather expert, he may be.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Lightning is not something to mess around with, but as I have said before, the rulebook states that the plate umpire makes the final call regarding suspending the game. He can take input from the base partner, but that is all the base guy can do. Practicing any other method would be disrespectful to the rules of this great game.

As I stated earlier, all umpires in our association are instructed to use the same process when dealing with lightning. (Which is the same as that which Baseball Ontario has given its umpires) So far, we have not had an issue of umpires disagreeing on how to handle a live situation.

However, hypothetically, if I were the BU and the PU refused to follow the procedure, I would put safety over your opinion of disrespect and ask the coaches to remove their teams from the field.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by GarthB

However, hypothetically, if I were the BU and the PU refused to follow the procedure, I would put safety over your opinion of disrespect and ask the coaches to remove their teams from the field.

As would I, and every other official in both associations I belong to that has a lick of common sense. If the coaches refused to put the players in the dugouts, or find other shelter for them if they're playing on a field without a roof over the dugout, I'm leaving my 'partner' to fly solo should he wish to continue.



Tim.