Obstruction, missed base

[Robert E. Harrison]

I had a play at the plate with the catcher obstructing a runner that missed the plate and a following runner scored. You award the obstructed runner home because there is no way he could touch the plate with the catcher holding him off while the ball is on its way from the outfield. Went through 2 levels of protest and my partner told me and the protesting coach that the runner is required to touch the plate. I told my partner that I did not ask for his opinion and get back to first base.
Sometimes you get good partners and sometimes you don't.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by Robert E. Harrison

Went through 2 levels of protest and my partner told me and the protesting coach that the runner is required to touch the plate. I told my partner that I did not ask for his opinion and get back to first base.

If it was a valid protest, then you'd be required to ask your other umpires for input. Plus, just because you have the dish doesn't mean you automatically have the last word. Sometimes the UIC for a game is on the bases, and he DOES have the last word on a disputed ruling.

See, even presidents can learn something new every day.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Plus, just because you have the dish doesn't mean you automatically have the last word. just because you have the dish doesn't mean you automatically have the last word. Sometimes the UIC for a game is on the bases, and he DOES have the last word on a disputed ruling.

This is incorrect. The UIC is, by definition, the PU (Rule 9.04(a). He may not be the crew chief, which what I believe you meant to say.

[kylejt]

Forgive me, Steven, I was thinking in LL terms again. In LL there is no crew chief, and by default the PU is the UIC. But it can be a BU, if designated before the game. It happens all the time in tournament play, as the most senior guy will be the UIC for the game, no matter his position on the field.

Either way, when a protest is lodged, the umpires MUST meet to talk about the ruling. If they can not agree, the UIC for the game makes the ruling.