Tagup Responsibilities

[ScottieRasberry]

I had a situation where I would've loved to know the rule right off the top of my head last night. My base ump (the senior ump) told me that I had the catch and all tag ups. But when I was the plate ump, and lead runner at 2nd didn't tag up, and I was button hooking in on an outfield fly, and the pitcher appealed it, the plate ump pointed at ME, like it was MY call! Does anyone know any rules I can reference for this situation?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by ScottieRasberry

I had a situation where I would've loved to know the rule right off the top of my head last night. My base ump (the senior ump) told me that I had the catch and all tag ups. But when I was the plate ump, and lead runner at 2nd didn't tag up, and I was button hooking in on an outfield fly, and the pitcher appealed it, the plate ump pointed at ME, like it was MY call! Does anyone know any rules I can reference for this situation?

I'm going to assume that you're asking about ASA's mechanics (as opposed to something else like USSSA or NSA).

The mechanics I mentioned in this thread should apply to your situation. Study them, learn them. Fortunately, they're pretty easy. They're also on page 253 of your rule book.

In your specific situation, you had a runner at 2B (R1), and I'm assuming you had a runner (R2) on 1B (by the fact that you mention that R1 was a "lead runner"). The plate umpire should have R1, and the base umpire should have R2.

Now, I'm a little confused by the fact that in your post, you mention that you're the plate umpire, and that your partner was the plate umpire. Which is it?

Let's say you were the plate umpire and your partner was on the bases. If that's the case, then yes, the runner on 2B was yours. If you were on the bases and your partner was the plate umpire, then he should normally not have signaled to you UNLESS he didn't see it. He probably either got blocked or he screwed up somewhere. If he points to you on a call that was his, he's giving it up to you. If you didn't see it, call safe, don't call an out that you didn't see.

Just my two cents.

[ScottieRasberry]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Now, I'm a little confused by the fact that in your post, you mention that you're the plate umpire, and that your partner was the plate umpire. Which is it?

We switch up every game. So the first game, I was the plate ump, trying to call all of the tag ups. The second game, I was the base ump, thinking he would do the same, as he was the plate ump for the second game.

Thanks for the page reference!

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by ScottieRasberry

We switch up every game. So the first game, I was the plate ump, trying to call all of the tag ups. The second game, I was the base ump, thinking he would do the same, as he was the plate ump for the second game. !

Apparently, you misunderstood what he told you:

Originally Posted by ScottieRasberry

...My base ump (the senior ump) told me that I had ... all tag ups....

So, YOU have the tag ups, regardless! Base or plate!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Apparently, you misunderstood what he told you:So, YOU have the tag ups, regardless! Base or plate!

Tom, quit confusing the poor guy.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I've had the same issues w/ tagup responsibilities w/ runner on 1B.

Virtually any line drive to an outfielder doesn't give me time to come inside while also trying to watch both catch and tag at the same time.

I usually try to anticipate if the runner at 1B is even fast enough to attempt a tagup and try to get to 2B. Most are not and simply just take a few steps off the base anticipating the ball will be caught.

On a high, deep drive, the runner will likely be playing it halfway or more thinking the ball will not be caught.

I've done my share of head-swiveling on some of those plays 90% of the time outside the diamond.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I've had the same issues w/ tagup responsibilities w/ runner on 1B.

Virtually any line drive to an outfielder doesn't give me time to come inside while also trying to watch both catch and tag at the same time.

I usually try to anticipate if the runner at 1B is even fast enough to attempt a tagup and try to get to 2B. Most are not and simply just take a few steps off the base anticipating the ball will be caught.

On a high, deep drive, the runner will likely be playing it halfway or more thinking the ball will not be caught.

I've done my share of head-swiveling on some of those plays 90% of the time outside the diamond.

Only two options on this one: haul a$$ and get inside (and risk not seeing the catch/tag-up), or stay out, watch the catch/tag-up, and then move to 2B on the outside. It doesn't "look as good," but in all honesty, you have a better chance at seeing what you need to see on a ball hit towards the left field line.

Obviously, ASA does not like the latter option, nor would I recommend it for anything other than rec league games. It's a simple matter of survival.

A ball hit to right field, on the other hand, doesn't pose quite the same problem. You're better off buttonhooking in and getting the 4 elements in front of you. Now where have I heard that one before?