Asking for Help

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by Spence

Thanks, JM.

Doesn't "B" set you up to be questioned on any close play? I agree with asking for help in A but I think B sets you up for a lot of conversations. If I'm the ump and I "saw what I saw" and wasn't obstructed why would I open a can of worms?

Spence,

Good question.

That's why I put all the "ands" in. Most of the time a coach asks me if I would get help, I just tell him, "No, Bob, I saw everything I needed to."

But every now and then you get straightlined or your vision gets obstructed and you make a call. You can tell by the reaction of the team that benefited that you DID "kick it". Your partner is trying to make eye contact and keeps taking his hat off. The coach asks for time, and politely and without insulting you asks if you would mind checking with your partner.

Sometimes it's the right thing to do.

Oh, and on a check swing appeal request, I ALWAYS go to my partner.

JM