How would you deal with this?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

While I agree with the rulings above, I wonder how the same umpire first rules it a ball and then decides it was foul tipped.

I was thinking the same thing. I guess I can see a catcher questioning a foul ball -vs- a foul tip on a ball handled near the dirt. Not the call of "ball" though.

Tim.

[MD Longhorn]

There is no chance this actually happened. No umpire who is being allowed to do that level would make a call, have the catcher turn around and question it, and then say, "Oh, ok - you're right. My bad - must be an out then." And then, even worse, allow the rest of the play to stand.

[jTheUmp]

While I'd like to think that no "high school" umpire would do such a thing, it probably depends on the level of "high school" we're talking about. The umpires in a 9th grade game are (probably) lower-level umpires then the ones doing varsity games. An inexperienced umpire doing a 9th grade game might conceivably make a call like that.... I could've seen myself doing something like that in the earliest stages of my umpiring career.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

While I'd like to think that no "high school" umpire would do such a thing, it probably depends on the level of "high school" we're talking about. The umpires in a 9th grade game are (probably) lower-level umpires then the ones doing varsity games. An inexperienced umpire doing a 9th grade game might conceivably make a call like that.... I could've seen myself doing something like that in the earliest stages of my umpiring career.

Even varsity umpires would not be immune to doing this in the right situation. We have a lot of very inexperienced umpires working varsity games because of the dynamics that are involved. I would not put this past a varsity umpire at all. Probably less likely, but still possible.

Peace

[REFANDUMP]

Any umpire who can take a potential walk and turn it into two outs is the kind of umpire I'd like to work with more often !!!

[MD Longhorn]

Wow. Seriously - if you guys are working with umpires who would change their call because the catcher asked them too, I feel truly truly sorry for you and your organization. Even 9th grade.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I was thinking the same thing. I guess I can see a catcher questioning a foul ball -vs- a foul tip on a ball handled near the dirt. Not the call of "ball" though.

Tim.

Exactly. If he knew the ball hit the bat, there's no way any competent umpire would call that a ball.

[pob14]

As Jeff R. knows, in Illinois all you have to do to work HS baseball, even varsity, is register, take the test, and attend a clinic (which does not necessarily include any on-field work).

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by pob14

As Jeff R. knows, in Illinois all you have to do to work HS baseball, even varsity, is register, take the test, and attend a clinic (which does not necessarily include any on-field work).

pob,

You neglected to mention the single most important requirement.

JM

[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

pob,

You neglected to mention the single most important requirement.

JM

Have a pulse?

[dash_riprock]

My guess is write a check.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

My guess is write a check.

For the win!

JM

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by pob14

As Jeff R. knows, in Illinois all you have to do to work HS baseball, even varsity, is register, take the test, and attend a clinic (which does not necessarily include any on-field work).

I am sure that is the way it is in other places as well if the assignor wants to give you a game. But it must be noted that there are only just over 3000 umpires statewide. Basketball (the main state sport) doubles that in numbers and a basketball assignor can pick and choose who they want to work any game. I am sure about 1/3 of the that baseball number are not regular HS umpires, who only have a license so they can work some local league as the many youth leagues require umpires to have a license for perceived liability issues. So that leaves guys who are not only available at 4:00 or 4:30, but guys who want to work at that time or even decide to work games at all. And with the volatile weather in this part of the state or country, I know that guys that cannot stop what they are doing to work the make-up, so you get a guy that is not experienced or not as experienced to work the rescheduled game. I have worked with enough of those, it is not uncommon.

Peace