It's likely that YOU would not have failed to call it - you are not a rookie who either doesn't know the rules or doesn't know his responsibilities. PU should not ignore an obvious infraction just to appease a BU who is not doing his job (for whatever reason). Especially an infraction such as the OP where "everyone" saw it but BU. Twice. Allowing it to continue gives an advantage to the offense not intended by the rules, and DOES make the crew look bad.

And in our neck of the woods, making such a call is not abnormal. Making this call at third or first might generate some cause for consternation --- but 2B is right in the sight-line of the plate umpire.

I didn't miss your point; perhaps you missed my sarcasm. In the OPs example, the umpire crew (and especially the BU) already look bad and have lost credibility. Not making the call makes things worse wrt credibility.

That early in AZ requires :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :)

Sorry...not trying to be a jerk..just trying to get info. I apologize if I was rude.....

I do it for the same reason a U3 has the runner leaving 1B early with the bases loaded or 1&3, because it is in my line of vision as I am watching the pitcher's feet.

We all have different angles and just because you are standing in a certain spot doesn't mean you can see everything you need to see for every call. I've worked 6-umpire games and while you can try to surround all the plays, it is still possible to not have the necessary angle to see the whole play.

This is why when I have a question and a crew comes off the field, I don't ask, "Why didn't you call (enter infraction here)?" I ask, "what did you see on this play?"

The crew is the team and they should work as such. I certainly wouldn't expect my partner to be sitting back behind the plate snickering, "what a putz! Moron should be calling that runner out for leaving early." Especially if it is something that even the concession lady saw from the next field. :D

Isn't that the BU's job? :D

No worries; I didn't take what you wrote as rude.

Who usually calls a pitching lane violation?

Nobody! :D

This.......

And the umpire at 3rd isn't a BU?:cool:

Leaving early is like obstruction......if you see it........call it.

No need for permission.

Joel

I have called it several times behind the plate with a partner...always on a runner from 2nd....granted.....most of the times were with an unseasoned partner.

Once with a partner who admittedly was not paying attention.......

I do not go looking for boogers on baserunning infractions.....but when one grossly presents itself......I don't ignore it.

Joel

It must be a gross error on the Base Runner.

I have a few times........usually with lefties that I was familiar with.......Two were travel ball teammates of my daughter......their dads were not real happy with me.

Joel

This is a bit like the Mechanics Review topic, the part about whether calling in the partner's area is taboo or not. Are we being consistent with that one?
Why is it ok for a PU to call early at a base or OBS at base, but not ok for a BU to call OBS at the plate?