Tampa Bay/NY Jeter HBP?

[JJ]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

I think this is a good learning opportunity for umpires to watch the play and not to rely on a players reaction. I'm not saying this was an easy call (in real time) for the HP ump, I really think one of the field umpires should have been more observant.

Base umpires can seldom help on a HBP like this one. The plate guy either gets it right or gets it wrong. Eyes, ears, AND batter reaction all factor in making this call, and no matter how good you are you'll still miss this one now and then.

JJ

[David B]

Originally Posted by JJ

Base umpires can seldom help on a HBP like this one. The plate guy either gets it right or gets it wrong. Eyes, ears, AND batter reaction all factor in making this call, and no matter how good you are you'll still miss this one now and then.

JJ

yep happens every year a couple of times. I tell players all the time (not during a game of course) you have to sell that call to get it.

Same as the bounced throw in the dirt, no way to tell if it hit the foot, but if the batter immediately starts hobbling to first he usually is going to get the base.

Oh forgot to add game two weeks ago and almost same play but I knew it hit the bat and then bounced and hit his hand/arm. Coach goes ballistic and I simply say sorry it hit the bat.
As kid is coming back to bat (he had run towards first) coach asks and he says, "no coach it hit the bat first." Every once in a while we get a little redemption.

Thansk
David

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by JJ

Eyes, ears, AND batter reaction all factor in making this call,...
JJ

Hopefully with a LOT more emphasis on Eyes and Ears.