Umpire putting Batter/Runner in jeopardy?

[bkbjones]

Originally posted by DaveASA/FED
Was watching a college SB game on ESPN2 lastnight, Michigan and UCLA (I think, it was late, I was tired) and with 2 strikes the batter check swings, catcher misses the ball, PU calls it a strike and they get BR out at 1st. Looking at the replay it was close, but looked to be checked short of what I would consider a swing (which my opinion doesn't matter) but made me wonder if he went ahead and called a strike to eliminate a situation where he had to ask for help (I think it is required in NCAA isn't it?) and it might have lead to the exact situation we are discussing here. Not implying anything, don't even remember the PU's name, but made me think of this thread!

It was Willie Newman. had the honor of working a couple games last summer with Willie. Had a sitch much like this in one of our games, he handled the same way.

IMHO, if you call it a ball and you are asked to get help, then go ahead and ask - even if the result does put the B/R in jeopardy. It's NOT our fault the b/r is now in jeopardy. In NFHS you have no choice, as the book says to do it. If the b/r is now an easy out, not our fault. Besides, it has been my experience that you'll hear far more chirping about not asking for help than the trouble caused by asking for help, having your partner ring 'er up, and the resultant out.