Field Umpire calls slap hitter out of box?

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May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
In a game today,
2-man crew,
nobody on base.
Top of 3rd inning...

Lefty slap hitter hits hard grounder through 5-6 hole,
and reaches 1B safely.

Field umpire calls her out for making contact outside of the batters box.

Is this kosher?

He was positioned a good 10'-15' behind and inside of 1B for the play.

Batting team appealed to HP umpire, who deferred to the field umpire,
and the call stood.

This was probably the 6th game played on that field that day. All remnants of batters box markings mostly obliterated. Im not understanding how this call can be made by the field
umpire from this position...
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
That is the plate umpires call, no way a base umpire can make that call with any credibility from 70-80' away. As for the rest of it, no umpire may overrule another umpire and may not seek to provide input on an umpires call without a request for help from the calling umpire.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Disagree with comp a little bit, never goes well for me.

Umpire's have thier responsibilities, in this case the field umpire should have not chipped in and make to call even if they saw it.

Defense can ask if home umpire would ask field umpire though. Up to them if they do, usally they will.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
As a plate umpire that is not something I am going to go to my partner on if requested by a coach. And as a base umpire if my partner comes to me I am going to tell them I have nothing to give them. Aas I already stated from 70-80' away I have no credibility in making that call, especially from ground level. Way out in front of the box, yes maybe, but stepping in front of the plate etc not a chance you can tell exactly where the foot was in relation to the line from that distance and angle of view.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I can see it clearly from 300' over right field fence with my sunglasses on and through the chain link fence. :)
 
Last edited:
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
Stupid question of the day. In the OP the FU used the wrong mechanics and made a call that was not his. Is that something that is protestable?
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
I would not think it to be protestable. You can protest a rule misinterpretation, but not a judgement call. The umpire not responsible making a call is not a rule violation it is an umpire mechanics fubar. It does not necessarily mean the call is wrong, it was a judgement call by the official and as I stated not much can be done unless the calling umpire chooses to seek input from their partner.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
I would not think it to be protestable. You can protest a rule misinterpretation, but not a judgement call. The umpire not responsible making a call is not a rule violation it is an umpire mechanics fubar. It does not necessarily mean the call is wrong, it was a judgement call by the official and as I stated not much can be done unless the calling umpire chooses to seek input from their partner.

That's what I thought. Wanted to be sure.
 
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
In a game today,
2-man crew,
nobody on base.
Top of 3rd inning...

Lefty slap hitter hits hard grounder through 5-6 hole,
and reaches 1B safely.

Field umpire calls her out for making contact outside of the batters box.

Is this kosher?

He was positioned a good 10'-15' behind and inside of 1B for the play.

Batting team appealed to HP umpire, who deferred to the field umpire,
and the call stood.

This was probably the 6th game played on that field that day. All remnants of batters box markings mostly obliterated. Im not understanding how this call can be made by the field
umpire from this position...

So..... Was she?
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
So..... Was she?

Yes - In my estimation, she was.

Ok - follow up question:
In the melee that ensued, the Field Umpire ended the game, and declared the arguing team "loss by forfeit".
Is this under the umpire's ability to decree and enforce?
(the arguing team was winning the game 4-0 at the time, if that factors...)

I know that umpires may end a game under these situations,
but can they declare the win/loss outcome by forfeit?

Seems to me that this is a determination to be made by the Tournament Director?
 

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