Over-ruling partner

thumpferee · #24 (**permalink**) Sat Jul 12, 2003, 05:31am

Quote:

Originally posted by douglas childress

Quote:

Originally posted by Lonewolf986
What do you think about this?

I've had to do this, when I am straight-lined at 1st. (C position)

When theres a play at first, I look at my partner if he is OUT (from my angle...Ball beats the runner), if my partner gives me the sign that his foot was off the bag, then I make a sign of "SAFE" (all I ask for from my partner is the pulled leg)

This decision is almost simultaneous

If he is SAFE or I SEE the pulled foot, then I dont need to look at my Pard.

If the runner is out from my angle, I glance at my partner, who tells me if he was on the bag or not, if not, then I call safe...

Though, I've only been able to do this with a few Umps, not many can coordinate that well

Ideas, comments, SUGGESTIONS on how to do this better?

What i like to do is if i'm the PU and my PARD is in the infield or behind 2B or SS with runners on base i will take the call at first only bacause i feel i would have the better angle. Your Thoughts on this

Obviously, in the situation posed, there is a man on second/and third if the BU is in the C. (I personally like being in the B with a single runner on third. Only with runners on 2nd/and 3rd will I be in the C.) HMMMM, bases loaded?

I feel you as the BU has that responsibility to make that call at first. Once you start getting into rotating responsibilities your gonna run into problems.

I personally take the runner all the way. I had the infamous play at third happen twice, one we made the opposite call, the other we both got it wrong, LOL.

In your pre-game with your partner, situations should be discussed on who is going to make the call on certain plays. Runner on 1st, base hit, who has the runner at third? Who's gonna cover the plate? Etc...

The runner on second/third is the primary responsibility of the PU. You as the PU should move back and down the third base line and expect the play at the plate while also looking down the line for the pulled foot or swipe tag. Once you move back into that position you as the PU are not any closer than the BU. The BU should be moving toward 1st as the play is being made. Once he does that, he should be making the call somewhere near the pitcher's mound.

I've always made a call as BU based on what I saw and go with my first instinct. I figured if there was a pulled foot or a tag/no tag, I could always go to my partner and change the call if warranted. I was told this wasn't the correct mechanic.

From my understanding of the mechanic is, if there is a question on a pulled foot or swipe tag, the BU should point to his partner for him to make the call. Just hope your partner is on it.

Just to cause some contraversy, IMO, I don't agree with that mechanic.

What happens if your partner is getting the bat out of the way, or was watching action at third, or just wasn't looking?

You pointing to him meaning you are not sure, he shrugs his shoulders, the call at first is now a guess.

Looking forward to your comments.