Umpiring - 2 man mechanics

[madskilz]

Saw interesting call the other day.

Runners on 1B and 2B. Batter hits fly ball to shallow RC. CF changes and dives for ball - ball appeared to have hit the ground, but tough call. Could have gone either way, depending on which side you were on.

The plate ump calls safe, at the same time field ump calls out (field ump was stationed between 2B and 3B because of runners on base.

Runners on base stay put as they looked at the field ump. Coaches see plate ump call safe and tells for runners to go.

Result - both runners stayed put. Batter called out.

Whose call is it? Field ump or Plate ump?

 

[Comp]

Fly balls in 2 man system are the plate umps responsibility unless no runners are on base and there is a ball right down the right field line, or looks like it may be a shoe string catch in right. Then it can be the base umps call, but only if it has been talked about pre game.

Now, that being said, the base ump can give subtle signals to the plate ump in situations like you have presented to help him if possibly he didnt see the catch or a short hop.

 

[alabama_lowlife]

Would an appeal be possible in this case? Could you ask the umps to talk about it between themselves?

 

[MTR]

Saw interesting call the other day.

Runners on 1B and 2B. Batter hits fly ball to shallow RC. CF changes and dives for ball - ball appeared to have hit the ground, but tough call. Could have gone either way, depending on which side you were on.

The plate ump calls safe, at the same time field ump calls out (field ump was stationed between 2B and 3B because of runners on base.

Runners on base stay put as they looked at the field ump. Coaches see plate ump call safe and tells for runners to go.

Result - both runners stayed put. Batter called out.

Whose call is it? Field ump or Plate ump?

Speaking ASA

This is the PU's call. The ONLY time a BU would have this call would be if s/he turned their back to the PU and "went out" on the play. And that should not happen in this situation.

The BU's action is the problem. The PU's call is the valid one, but the confusion caused by the BU's error placed the runners in jeopardy.

At this point, the umpires should get together, save the chewing out fordiscuss what each saw and make a decision. If ruled a catch, runners stay on the bases and the BR is ruled out. If ruled no catch, the BR is awarded 1B and runners forced move up.

After the game the crew can talk about the BU not knowing how to do his job.