Ump Throws Partner Under Bus

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by SMEngmann

At the end of the 4th inning there was a time play with BR trying to get to 3rd and R1 trying to score. PU came out to call the play at 3rd and had limited coverage of whether the run actually scored. They got the play right and scored the run as BR was thrown out at 3rd, and there was no argument. We got the benefit of the call with the run scoring. Between innings, PU comes to our dugout to verify the score and comments, "If my partner knew what he was doing, I would have been able to tell for sure that the run scored."

That's the problem in the world we live in meaning too many people "pass the buck" and do not take responsibility for their own actions.

With R1 heading home the PU has no business being at third base. That is
the BU's job. In addition to watching the time play the PU MUST also make certain R1 actually touches the plate in case there is an appeal play.

Not only was the PU unsure about the time play but he had no clue whether or not R1 touched the plate or not.

By telling you "If my partner knew what he was doing, I would have been able to tell for sure that the run scored" is the PU's way of trying to cover his you know what.

Now I do not know what the protocol is in your area, but in my area coaches have a say meaning they fill out a rating sheet after the game.

IMO, if you are required to fill out a rating sheet is where you can add a comment about what happened.

Also, I am surprised that this umpire is still umpiring varsity games because I doubt this was the first time this particlar umpire put a fellow umpire under the bus. Perhaps there is politics lurking.

Pete Booth