Proper Mechanics - Infield Fly / 2-Man Crew

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

In any realistic scale of good/acceptable/bad/worse/horrible, and as related to the ability to survive, only a total moron would believe it is better for the BU to refuse to bail out the crew in an obvious infield fly rule situation when the PU freezes. This is a case where survival mechanics need to kick in; BU should hesitate to allow the PU the opportunity to make the call when the ball is at it's highest point, but if the ball is coming down and still no call on an obvious situation, I will at least raise the closed fist, and if possible make a verbal call, too. The teams deserve the right call in a timely manner; and I can promise you they don't care even one little bit which umpire calls or signals if they get the protection they deserve. This procedure is more right than ever wrong no matter which set of mechanics you are supposed to be using.

I don't disagree. But I'm telling ya, I've heard it say in training sessions and on some umpire discussion boards that the language in the book saying it's the PU's call removes any responsibility on the BU's part.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I don't disagree. But I'm telling ya, I've heard it say in training sessions and on some umpire discussion boards that the language in the book saying it's the PU's call removes any responsibility on the BU's part.

Really... the BU is completely absolved from ANY responsibility?

[Tru_in_Blu]

I've had a couple of BUs that incorrectly called an IF. Made for a real cluster both times. Had to fix the messes.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I've had a couple of BUs that incorrectly called an IF. Made for a real cluster both times. Had to fix the messes.

Some quote about "big bucks".

Seriously, hope those were learning experiences.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I don't disagree. But I'm telling ya, I've heard it say in training sessions and on some umpire discussion boards that the language in the book saying it's the PU's call removes any responsibility on the BU's part.

Why do people have to invent things or excuse their mistakes when it is not in the rule book or manual?

There is no rule book or manual that says the famous 39 myths (sorry, Alfred).
Do we need to add another?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I don't disagree. But I'm telling ya, I've heard it say in training sessions and on some umpire discussion boards that the language in the book saying it's the PU's call removes any responsibility on the BU's part.

And that is as ridiculous as saying a PU cannot make an OBS call on a play at 2B simply because that is the BU's area of responsibility.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And that is as ridiculous as saying a PU cannot make an OBS call on a play at 2B simply because that is the BU's area of responsibility.

I'm in violent agreement. The one that I hear most often about the PU and second base is the Leaving Base Early violation. Yes, that's the BU's responsibility. No, the PU shouldn't mess with it if it's close. But if it's blatant and the BU is in LaLa land, the PU better damn well call it if he/she sees it.

And yet you've got advocates for the PU leaving that one alone because it's tantamount to throwing the BU under the bus, just like a BU calling IFF is doing the same to the PU. Bogus excuse.