Blocked out on fair/foul call

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Linknblue

What do you call when you get blocked out on a fair/foul call? Line drive down 1st base line. I line up to call it but batter/runner running in fair territory moves to running lane just as ball hits ground. Also, first basemen of course runs over to see if it's fair/foul as well.

I make "no" call cuz I simply cannot see it. Because I make "no" call it's assumed to be fair by defense and they attempt a play. Of course, I hear afterward it's foul.

I left it fair. Was I right?

By the way, there was no time to get anywhere but looking down the line from behind the plate.

First... you don't get blocked out. You should be a few steps up the line anyway, and you should anticipate when you see the runner coming in on you and take a step fair or foul. You can't tell us you didn't have time to get anywhere and also tell us that the batter-runner was moving toward the running lane - which is halfway up the line.

Second - if for some reason you are blocked, you use what you know to make the call. Whatever that may be.

One question ... what do you mean that you "hear afterward it's foul"? From whom? From partner? Fix it. From disgruntled coach or idiot fans? Ignore as you would any other nonsense from disgruntled coaches and fans.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

First... you don't get blocked out. You should be a few steps up the line anyway, and you should anticipate when you see the runner coming in on you and take a step fair or foul. You can't tell us you didn't have time to get anywhere and also tell us that the batter-runner was moving toward the running lane - which is halfway up the line.

Second - if for some reason you are blocked, you use what you know to make the call. Whatever that may be.

One question ... what do you mean that you "hear afterward it's foul"? From whom? From partner? Fix it. From disgruntled coach or idiot fans? Ignore as you would any other nonsense from disgruntled coaches and fans.

That's all fine and dandy IF you have lines. We don't have lines around here. Something about a war on drugs...I don't know.

I have been known to scream at F3/F5 or a base coach to "give me the line" so I can see the ball. If I have to, I will try to move slightly, one way or the other, but the more you move, the more likely you are to make an errant call on a ball near the line.

As you note, you use what you have to determine the call. If I last saw the ball fair, it is most likely to be called fair. OTOH, if a base coach steps into the field because s/he HAS to get a better look at it than I have, that ball may end up being foul

Point is, you have to make a call 'cause you ain't doin' it over. You just do the best you can.