Partner blues...

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

Riddle me this, Batman.
I am observing last weekend. No one on, 2-2 count on B1. Of course (aren't they all anymore?) she's a slapper. Takes the ol' running swing thing but pitch is high and inside. She definitely went/offered/slapped at -- and missed, but is hit by the pitch in the upper shoulder. Goes down in a semi-heap. Gets up with able assistance from both base coaches, finally trots down to first. I'm thinking well, someone has got to say something about went/offered/slapped, DC or someone. Not a peep.

What is YOUR thinking? Should BU intervene? When asked after game, BU said would not do anything until/unless asked. Head coach for OC is also ISF certified (team was from Canada). I asked him afterwards to put his umpire hat on, and he also said no intervention by BU until asked -- but that was just his opinion (his words). Also said as OC he likely would have been ejected if BU had intervened...

No doubt about this one. Rule 10-3.B is clear, no umpire may seek to reverse the decision of another; intervening in this case would be a clear rule violation. Only the PU is empowered to judge swing/no swing, unless PU asks BU if there was a swing.

Once asked by a partner, I believe all umpires need to be truthful about what they saw, not deny to cover; but that truthfulness needs to be in a private conversation, to allow the calling umpire to determine how (and if) the new information will be used. This may require consideration of 10-3.C, where the PU must consider the possible jeopardy of a delayed or changed call. Some bells simply cannot, and should not, be unrung; but that doesn't mean your partner shouldn't tell you the unadulterated truth.

You call what you see, if, and only if, it is your call to make; you tell your partner what you see, if and only if he asks. In postgame, you tell the rest.