Would you ask for help?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire questions HP umpire Larry Vanover that the ball hit is batter's foot, he was put out by the 1st basemen, he is asking very nicely. He then asked Vanover if he would ask 3rd base umpire Charlie Reliford for help and Vanover tells him 'NO" and then he throws his hat and goes crazy and gets thrown out of the game. Why do MLB umpires refuse to ask for help from crewmates? Replay shows that the ball did hit his foot and should had been a fould ball. Would you ask the 3rd base umpire for help on this play? I would.

I think this is a rule that should be changed. It's a difficult call to make, is missed (one way or the other) frequently, and no one can hit the ball off their foot intentionally to gain an advantage.

So, I think the rule should be that if the ball goes sharply and directly from the bat to the batter, the ball is in play the same as if it hadn't hit the batter (that is, it becomes fair or foul depending on what happens next), except the ball is no longer in flight.