No Win Situation??
 

Situation: Only umpire (first problem). 2 outs, R2 and batter hits a line drive to the gap in left centre. I move into P15 position to start to watch the play and see both runners touch third and first. The BR is trying to stretch the hit into a double which draws a very good throw from the left fielder. I couldn't move behind the plate because the pitcher was standing on his mound (second problem because that is not where he is suppose to go in that situation) to watch the timing of when R2 touches the plate to the tag at second.

As a result of the pitcher's position, I'm up the line a bit to make the call at second, (an out of course :)) then immediately turn to see where R2 is to see whether he touched the plate before the third out. I really couldn't tell, it was extremely close.

I made the decision since I couldn't say with certainty that the run scored that it wouldn't count. Of course the offense complained that the runner had touched before the out but I stayed with my call.

What did I do wrong, (besides agreeing to be the only umpire) and what should I have done?

Just call BR safe at 2B and blame F1 for blocking your view. :)

Maybe its a Canadian thing, but what is P15?

P15 is about 10 feet up the third base line in foul territory. Basically its a position where you are suppose to stand unless you have only one play you need to watch.

Sounds like the library.

When you are alone, your priorities change a little. First, you must know the status of the ball then your focus has to shift to the lead runner. He is your primary concern, now. Once the lead runner has scored or stopped, you can change your focus to the trailing runner/s. The only other solution is to have a minimum of 2 umpires.

I know I asked but this seems like a situation ripe for an arguement. I'm standing at home plate watching the runner touch the plate and then taking a couple of steps down the third base line around the pitcher to make a call at second......guarantee the defensive coach is asking me why I'm not in position to call the play where the ball is.

With one umpire, stress angle over distance. If you have multiple runners, widen your position, especially when you notice two events are going to happen at nearly the same time (and especially with 2 outs). In the situation you describe, back up. Make sure the secondary event is in your peripheral vision when ruling on the primary event.

And if they complain - tell them to hire another freaking umpire.

+Infinity

Can't remember who I got this line from, but it was someone on this board:
"Coach, that's a $50 (or $45, or $70, or whatever an umpire gets paid in the game you're working) call"

I used that line on a coach when he claimed that I missed a pulled foot on a play at 1st (the foot, if pulled, was behind 1B, which is why I couldn't see if it was pulled or not).

Coach: "He pulled his foot!"
Me: "Coach, that's a $73 call."
Coach: "You've been practicing that line, haven't you?"
Me: "It's not a line, coach. It's the truth."

fify.

Coach: you should practice more, you just missed him pull his foot!

When working solo, P15 is about P10 too far up the 3rd baseline, IMHO.

You guys make this way too difficult. I just always ask Charley for help on the call.

Oops, Charlies not working tonight, Sorry Coach.