A simple yes or no......

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

Reminds me of a story I heard from a HS game.

One of our trainers is working the plate and the other umpire (who will be called Bob) is on the bases. Runners on first and third, so the base umpire is in the C position.

Pitch comes in and there is a snap throw from the catcher to first. All the base umpire can see is A&E. What does he call? Safe? Out? Nope, his response was to point to the plate umpire and yell "bad angle!" The plate umpire said he was so in shock, he went completely blank on what he saw and the only thing he could do was single safe. He said to this day he has no idea if she was safe or out at first, but since he could not see her out (or remember what he saw), he had to call her safe.

If you don't see evidence of the defense tag the runner out, of course, the runner is safe. Screaming why isn't necessary, nor IMO professional. Again, didn't see the out, the call must be safe.

Pointing to your partner in this situation, or any time you haven't made a call, is not going for help! An umpire who does this is ceding or "giving up" the call. The call now belongs to the partner, like it or not s/he is in the same situation. If there is no evidence of an out, the runner must be safe. There can be NO discussion as the BU already demonstrated s/he did not see any evidence of an out.