What's the final score?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Why would an umpire care what the score is?

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Why would an umpire care what the score is?

I wanted to say that the first day this post started but did not want to be the one to be the smarta$$. But thanks Mike!

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Why would an umpire care what the score is?

Because in most of the plebeian tournaments we humble umpires work, we are required to turn in a score card signed by the umpires!

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Because in most of the plebeian tournaments we humble umpires work, we are required to turn in a score card signed by the umpires!

I know what you mean, Tom, even with the wink; but excuse me for a serious reply.
I and many believe, knowing the score and other game situations can affect the perception, and sub-consciously judgement. I pay no attention to the score, often not to the inning; just to avoid any implication that my calls are affected by "getting it over with", letting a call slide or other negatives.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Because in most of the plebeian tournaments we humble umpires work, we are required to turn in a score card signed by the umpires!

I'm impressed with the use of the word "plebeian"!

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Because in most of the plebeian tournaments we humble umpires work, we are required to turn in a score card signed by the umpires!

But even in this instance I would defer to the official scorekeeper. When anyone ever asks me the score I tell them how many balls, strikes and outs I have and say that is all I keep up with and If you have any question about scoring issues then your scorekeeper needs to go work it out with the official book. That seems to work best for me.

[John Robertson]

I realize this is a softball message board, but mcrowder said he couldn't find any reference to how a walkoff homer is scored in a baseball rule book. I just wanted to point out that I found one.

(History lesson: Up until 1919 in MLB the home team could only win by one run if it batted in the bottom fo the ninth or in extra innings--no matter how many runs scored on a walkoff homer.)

As for deferring to the wisdom of a scorekeeper, that would be great if all scorekeepers were well-schooled experts. Usually that's not the case in the games I work. Some are quite good, but often the scorekeeper asks me, "Does that run count?" when the third out occurs on a force play. Call me pedantic, but I just like to have the answer ready when the question comes.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Dukat

But even in this instance I would defer to the official scorekeeper. When anyone ever asks me the score I tell them how many balls, strikes and outs I have and say that is all I keep up with and If you have any question about scoring issues then your scorekeeper needs to go work it out with the official book. That seems to work best for me.

I think you misunderstand the full meaning of the word "plebeian". There is no "official" scorekeeper, only some Mom or Dad who does the duty for each team and who is making sure her/his little DD is the top hitter on the team.