Running Lane - Whose Call?

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Actually Gordon I have had clinicians in our state take similar positions. Where do you think I got this idea from? I ran a camp for several years that was one of the biggest until recently, these issues came up with campers or myself in discussions. And you should know if you do not have something in writing that people will justify a lot of different opinions. Now there are not many clinicians, but you would be wrong that I could not find one if I gave them a couple of situations. And I have never heard one say always or never in those conversations, just like I am not advocating here. Just stating that there are situations where the PU is not in the best position to cover such a play and if the call is obvious, who should make the call. Remember I am a basketball clinicians and there are differing opinions all the time about specific positions in that sport as well. Some of those opinions are based off of more than what the mechanics says, but what are best practices and reasoning for those best practices.

And I can guarantee that I do not have an assignor as I do not work for one person. You work for an organization that I do not work for, so not sure you can make that claim. And if they did throw me under the bus, that would be a first. It is not like they are going to see me work in person very often if ever. It is not like it is going to change the status I have in the state. So if they disagree with a call I make or a way I handle a situation, it will not be the first time. But baseball is a sport in our state that most coaches want two umpires on the field, not always the best of the best when they are not available.

Peace

OK here's your challenge. Find a clinician that would agree with you that it's OK for the field guy to make that call.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by gordon30307

OK here's your challenge. Find a clinician that would agree with you that it's OK for the field guy to make that call.

Why? I am not going to waste time to bring someone into an opinion about a discussion here. Honestly Gordon, this is not that important. And if I find a clinician, what does that mean? Am I not going to work anymore? Are they going to write a stern letter to the state? It would be kind of silly honestly. I do not need to have this discussion to judge what I am going to do on the field. And certainly not at this point of my career.

Peace

[Manny A]

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Yes it is. SMDH!!!

Peace

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Why? I am not going to waste time to bring someone into an opinion about a discussion here. Honestly Gordon, this is not that important. And if I find a clinician, what does that mean? Am I not going to work anymore? Are they going to write a stern letter to the state? It would be kind of silly honestly. I do not need to have this discussion to judge what I am going to do on the field. And certainly not at this point of my career.

Peace

I agree why waste time when none would agree. Your position is untenable.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by gordon30307

I agree why waste time when none would agree. Your position is untenable.

Gordon, I probably know more clinicians personally than you do. Do not be so sure who would disagree with me and why. My officiating life is not subjected to one part of the state remember.

Peace

[gordon30307]

In discussing this with a friend there is indeed one situation where the base umpire makes this call. It happens only if HPU falls flat on his face unconscious and the base umpire is the only one awake to call it. So I guess it's plausible.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by gordon30307

In discussing this with a friend there is indeed one situation where the base umpire makes this call. It happens only if HPU falls flat on his face unconscious and the base umpire is the only one awake to call it. So I guess it's plausible.

OK.

Peace

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by gordon30307

In discussing this with a friend there is indeed one situation where the base umpire makes this call. It happens only if HPU falls flat on his face unconscious and the base umpire is the only one awake to call it. So I guess it's plausible.

So if your HP partner gets hit in the head with the batter's bat, but he goes to one knee instead of flat on his face, and he remains conscious but is woozy and looking down, you won't make the call?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by gordon30307

I agree why waste time when none would agree. Your position is untenable.

No. The "I'm not going to call this in ANY situation" position is untenable.

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

No. The "I'm not going to call this in ANY situation" position is untenable.

I' would never ever, ever and I mean never call it. Even if my partner fell flat on his face unconcious at the plate. Have a good day.

[dfwump]

If I may,

This is from "Maximizing the Two Umpire System" By Jim Evans and Dick Nelson. ISBN 978-1-4243-1636-6. Chapter 2: "Defining and Understanding Resonsibilities" Pg 24.

7. RUNNERS LANE

"Regardless of the runner situation. the plate umpire is initially responsible for all interference calls involving the runner's lane. With no runner on base, the base umpire has to move into fair territory for position on the potential play at first on the batter-runner. With runner(s) on base, the base umpire is working in the infield. In neither of these two situations will the base umpire be in a position to get the proper angle for the interference call. However, if the plate umpire fails to call an interference that was obvious the the base umpire, the base umpire must step up and make the call. If there is a possibility of a runner attempting to score on the play, the plate umpire should assume a position on the first base line extended. "

I think all parties involved in the discussion should be satisfied with this authoritative interpretation of umpire responsibities involving the running lane. (But I doubt it).

Regards,

Mike C

[jicecone]

Are you qualified to copy and paste "authoritative interpretations"?