Get the calls right? Responsibility?

[FUBLUE]

Originally posted by hukonrt
I love this thread. Yes, possibly the most difficult call is the slide with the high tag. But if you can just get one eye to look at the plate and the other to look at the tag it should be very easy. But don't do it for long 'cause your eyes could "stick" like that.

Once in Little League I got roped into umpiring my youngest son's game because the umpire did not show up (imagine that!). My son at bat, full count, watches a good pitch come through on the inside corner. Oh yeah, tough spot...but the umpire made the right call...instantly...and with gusto (good mechanics). It was a couple of days before he (the son) got over being mad. Many years later (age 22) we spoke of the incident and he still couldn't believe I called him out. We both get a smile at the memory, and he agrees it was the right call and appreciates it. Best lesson on integrity I could have given him.

Had something like this with my little brother...he's four years younger, so I was out of "Majors" before he was in "Minors". I used to umpire most games, because no one else wanted to do it. Toughest call I had was bang-banger at first, would be last out of game, brothers team would win. I called him safe (happened to be a friend of my brothers)...both coaches said it was a good call...little brother disagreed...Didn't talk to me for a week (I should have made several more calls like that )