Got a new argument Thursday night. There was an overthrow at 2B from CF. The ball was heading for the entrance to the 1B dugout. F3 made a dash for the rolling ball and executed a perfect slide, kicking the ball toward the catcher.

Manager comes out of the dugout and wants me to award bases because F3 prevented the ball from going out of play by intentionally kicking it. I told him the only way a runner is moved up when the defense kicks the ball is if it goes out of play, not stay in.

He didn't like my answer, so he went to my partner. He told him the ball wouldn't have entered DBT, so no bases.

Gotta love some of the stuff these guys try.

Your partner should have told the manager, "It's his (your's) call". If the dum-dum doesn't know how to make a proper appeal, tough noogies.

What would you have done if your partner told the manager he was right?

Bob

Since my partner is my UIC (state, not game), I would hold my tongue until the appropriate moment and then blast the hell out of him.

If you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly the shy type. :)

Mike:

I think your state association needs a new UIC. This guy is dumber than dirt.

Bob

No, he is not. He is a very good umpire who is ISF and worked the highest level of play in ASA.

You offered the scenario and asked what I would do. It was your suggestion that my partner would say something stupid, not mine.

We have worked together quite often and have a good time on the field together. We have played games with the player's minds, but at their initiation, not ours. We communicate well and often see the same things on the field.

He is highly regarded by many of the National Staff and knows his job.

If you think I am being highly defensive of him, I guess your perception would be correct. I'm not the only umpire on this board who works for my UIC, and I'm sure the other Bob would support my opinion.

Mike,

I will support your opinion. He is one of the best people I have worked with along with you and we always have a good time on the field. He knows his stuff.

Commenting of the play, even though it was your call, if I had been working with you, I probably would have told the coach the same thing. We know how each other work. The statement to the coach saying the ball would not have gone into DBT, just ends his complaint. If there were ever a time I thought a wrong call was made, I would then tell the coach that it isn't my call, then talk to you between innings unless you wanted to discuss it right then. These are just situations which we know because we have worked together.

Bob