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Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA (Post 606388)

Actually, the SP players I know are smart enough to guide and trap the ball instead of just letting it come down.

Or if it's during the afternoon during a weekend tournament: "Ah! DaMmIt! Sun in my eye!" :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch (Post 606314)

Gotta love that IF stuff, especially at the coed rec level. Perhaps the most misunderstood rule, next to the courtesy foul. I can't count my hands and feet the number of times I've had ucking fidiots at that level come to me with the most ridiculous questions/statements regarding the IF.

That level? I was doing a men's AA State SP (both usages of the term AA) around noon and had a major league popup to 2nd, we both call and signal the IF. After staring at the sun for what seemed like a couple of minutes 2nd covers his eyes and says "I can't see" and the balls drops to the ground. Runner on 2nd takes off for third, easily, and runner on first goes over to chat with 2nd who has picked up the ball. Partner is looking at me like "I'm eventually going to have to call time" and I'm just standing by the runner. Finally left field yells out "tag him" he does and I call the out. Runner yells at me "you called IF", "yep, I did", "but that's a dead ball", "nope, it's not".

After the game a coach that was watching asked why I didn't toss the runner for yelling like that and I was honest, said "I was too busy trying not to laugh".
:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampaignBlue (Post 607240)

That level? I was doing a men's AA State SP (both usages of the term AA) around noon and had a major league popup to 2nd, we both call and signal the IF...........

I realize this thread is old, but I didn't want to start a new thread on an old topic. But I have an IF mechanic question/observation:

2 man system

As a BU, when I feel 'normal effort' by an infielder has been achieved I'll give the IF signal to my PU. (I do understand that the PU has fly ball responsibilities in this case) I'll then wait for a verbal call from the PU. My question is , is it a good mechanic to 'echo' his/her IF verbal? I ask this because how many times do we hear from either coach (OC/DC) ' we didn't hear you call IF'.

Thoughts?

Quote:

Originally Posted by okla21fan (Post 635446)

I think two verbals may actually confuse the coaches and players. It is not unusual for coaches to complain they didn't hear a call, but the reason why is that they, the players and fans are usually screaming their head off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by okla21fan (Post 635446)

I wouldn't do it. Anytime we speak, we run the risk of confusing the players into thinking we're killing the play. Having two umpires make the same call will only double that likelihood, especially when it's coming from the BU (someone who normally doesn't make a call at that moment).

Both of those responses make good common sense

thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by okla21fan (Post 635456)

Both of those responses make good common sense

thanks

After some time on this forum, you will find that applies to most of their posts that are actually about softball. :)