pulled foot at 1st - getting help

[Bfair]

Originally posted by GarthB

I don't think Tee or anyone is saying to get the call wrong. They are saying that it is BU's job to get it right and not depend on someone saving his butt. If umpires spent as much time working on their mechanics to make this call as they do whining about "getting it right", they would.

It needs to be understood that the typical play where this is discussed is when BU is starting in C position where his responsibilities of the play can be at 1B, 2B and 3B. He cannot overcommit to any base, and a poor throw can result in F3 coming off the base directly at the BU where he is in poor position to see a pulled foot. Many times as PU I've seen obstinant BU's unwilling to seek help when needed when, indeed, the coach was correct in that the fielder left the base. If that obstinant official feels there is dignity in not needing help and missing that call, then so be it----it's his decision.

Getting help on this call when needed is not wrong.
It should not be used as a regular crutch for lack of good judgment and good mechanics. Needing help should by far be the exception as opposed to the rule.

A need for help when the situation dictates it does not necessarily mean poor mechanics of the official, but moreso reflects a weakness inherent in the 2-man system. Angle over distance---and sometimes the play develops where BU simply has a poor angle when starting in C while PU has a significantly better angle.


Freix