Would you have done this?

[WestMichiganBlue]

I said "Pitch is low, batter swings and misses (I think). F2 is unable to catch ball, R2 goes into 2B standing up. I look at partner; his hands are not in the air."

The ball went under the bat and bounced off the catcher's glove. I sensed, but did not see it deflect. I looked for my partner, but he did not signal nor call dead ball. But I suspect that he was focusing on the impending play. Runner at 3B, runner stealing, is the throw going to 2B? or 3B? or F6? Where do I move to? What's the best angle? Etc. Etc. Etc. As a result I think that he just froze on the support call.

Remember that, when asked, partner thought that it was foul. Had he said not, the play would had stood as called. But two separate opinions that it might have been foul, to me was enough to say it was foul.

Remember that we had two offensive coaches at right angles to the play, both in better position than BU or PU to see the deflection. Not a peep from either one when I changed the call - and they lost a stolen base.

BTW - we were not guessing a strike or out. We already had a strike. The only question was whether it was a swinging strike (ball in play) or foul ball (dead ball, no advance).

However, it was not my position to defend myself here, just to make it clear what we saw or did. I put the question up to gain opinions on how others would handle this situation. This question was posted on two boards. I am somewhat disappointed that all responders but one (and he hedged his bet), were on the side of "shut up and let the play stand, unless challenged" vs getting the play right. Maybe I am too idealistic, but I will probably do the same thing again.

WMB