You have to see this one!

[CT1]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

I have a question of logic. Why isn't there a yellow line above which would be a home run that would help make these calls a bit more obvious?

(1) It wouldn't fit with the Busch Stadium decor.

(2) It would detract from the advertising signs located just above & behind the wall, & they certainly can't have that.

[voiceoflg]

Originally Posted by CT1

(1) It wouldn't fit with the Busch Stadium decor.

(2) It would detract from the advertising signs located just above & behind the wall, & they certainly can't have that.

Ah...so it isn't the game the people pay to see. It is the advertising.

Got it.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

Ah...so it isn't the game the people pay to see. It is the advertising.

Got it.

That yellow line doesn't always work, either. I've seen batted balls clear the line, and the umpires still have a hard time discerning if they did. Same with the foul poles, and determining if the ball crossed in front of or behind them. It often makes me wonder why those poles aren't something like black where it would be easier to see an off-white ball cross in front or behind.

[Altor]

Originally Posted by Manny A

It often makes me wonder why those poles aren't something like black where it would be easier to see an off-white ball cross in front or behind.

And the yellow line on top of the fence with the yellow foul pole makes even less sense. In once case, the yellow is in play. In the other, it is out of play.

[rbmartin]

The most important things we can learn from this is, whatever level you are working as an umpire,..
a) learn , know and discuss the ground rules of the facility you are working before the game.
b) before the game, make a thorough walk around of the field to see if there is anything beyond the fence (poles, trees, signage etc) which can fool you into making an improper call.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

The most important things we can learn from this is, whatever level you are working as an umpire,..
a) learn , know and discuss the ground rules of the facility you are working before the game.
b) before the game, make a thorough walk around of the field to see if there is anything beyond the fence (poles, trees, signage etc) which can fool you into making an improper call.

And the most important one:

Make sure you or your partners can see what really happens!!

Several times in two man we are stuck with one set of eyes watching the ball into the sun or light blue sky, and standing there hoping someone makes a move that helps you determine what actually happened. Your partner is diong his job watching the runners and well, we have all been there. Hell, anyone can get it right with replay.

[dash_riprock]

The B/R should have been called out when he retreated past the plate.

Maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but it would be worth it to see Davey Johnson's reaction.