Balk calls from "B" position

[CT1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And why in the pros you see someone other than the BU call a balk.

Huh? I guess you meant to type "PU", rather than "BU". Typical.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CT1

Huh? I guess you meant to type "PU", rather than "BU". Typical.

So you got me on that one, but still does not change the fact your position and very antiquated on many levels. But if that is how you roll, more power to you. I just would not do what you suggest if I was working with you and would wounder why you cannot do your job and stick to some silly way to umpire.

Peace

[David B]

Originally Posted by Rich

Right. You wouldn't like working with me or all of my regular HS/college partners, then.

yep

Thanks
David

[CT1]

Originally Posted by Rich

Right. You wouldn't like working with me or all of my regular HS/college partners, then.

You're right about that. I prefer to umpire in short sleeves.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by CT1

You're right about that. I prefer to umpire in short sleeves.

Hey, good for you. I like breaking out the plate coat. Do you tell the base umpire how to call half swings, too?

[CT1]

Originally Posted by Rich

Hey, good for you. I like breaking out the plate coat. Do you tell the base umpire how to call half swings, too?

Most certainly.

If I say "Rich, did he go?", I want his true opinion. If, OTOH, I say "Rich, he didn't go, did he?", then I want him to stick with my call.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by Rich

Right. You wouldn't like working with me or all of my regular HS/college partners, then.

What about your regular LL partners?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Publius

What about your regular LL partners?

Same people, actually.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by CT1

Not in my game. All I want you to do is see whether F1 disengages the rubber before feinting to first, and MAYBE a slight flinch of the pivot leg.

What?

[Moosie74]

Originally Posted by CT1

Not in my game. All I want you to do is see whether F1 disengages the rubber before feinting to first, and MAYBE a slight flinch of the pivot leg.

What is the benefit of the plate umpire calling all balks? Which is what is implied if you wish to have the base umpire focus on just these two things. I haven't heard this teaching before, source, please?

[Dexter555]

Originally Posted by CT1

Not in my game. All I want you to do is see whether F1 disengages the rubber before feinting to first, and MAYBE a slight flinch of the pivot leg.

14 yr old Babe Ruth state tournament quarterfinal in WI. PU--senior guy--tells me something like this and I'm young enough to listen. Full count on batter. Pitcher rolls through motion, not even a hint of a stop. Even his grandma knew it was a balk. I lock up because the PU told me in pre-game these are his call. He's silent (well, except for "strike three!"). HC is coaching 1st and goes nuts (with good reason). We do nothing to improve the situation--we don't conference to discuss, he ignores everyone, and I for some reason decide I can't call it now 'cause it will look like the coach convinced me to call it. I can't think of anything to say to the coach except "No call, coach. Let's play ball." The offended team made it to the final and I have the plate. Coach makes a subtle balk comment at our pre-game. All I can do is wince.

20+ years later this call is one of the top three "I wish I could have that call back" to haunt me from my long officiating career.

If you see it, call it. Even if the PU tells you it's his call (of course, don't accept that instruction). Let him explain to the assignor what you did wrong.