looking like a fool

[SC Ump]

Slowpitch adult rec ball. R1 at 2B. BR hit to F5 who threw for the play at first. I made the call. After F5 released the ball, R1 headed for third, F3 threw the ball back to F5 and a run down started. PU covered third-end and I had the second-end of the "pickle".

After R1 reached 3B safely, I turned to first and BR was standing there, stating I had called him safe, but F3 was stating I called an out. Unfortunately, with the action of the run down, I had forgot about the play - - - it apparently was routine. I asked my partner and he said he did not notice what I ruled.

After standing with my partner 5 - 10 seconds (but seeming like an eternity) I replayed the situation and was pretty sure I called the out. Also, I realized that I had turned my back on BR as I was involved in the R1 run down... thus I'm sure I called him out because he was no longer in the play as I was concerned.

As I told BR that I had called him out, him and the 1B coach grinned and said, "you wouldn't believe how often we get an umpire on that."

In Florida, it was 3 or 4 games a night, 3 or 4 nights a week.... from Jan through Nov. Yep, I lost concentration a few times. But now at least when I call someone out or safe, I try not to be running on automatic.