beachump

Apparently it was an umpire in training and he for some reason thought it was an appeal for leaving early. Apparently he was treating the infield fly ruling as a caught ball even though it dropped. And the field umpire was a coach pulled from the stands.

R1 and R2, 1 out. Batter hits a pop-up and infield fly is called. The ball falls to the ground. Fielder throws to first to get the runner going back. 1B catches the ball then steps off the bag. The plate umpire wrongly calls R1 out. First baseman, thinking the inning is over, rolls the ball toward the mound and defense starts running off the field. In the meantime, R2 had broken for third during the throw. The umpires get together and place R1 back o0n first and R2 at second. I have someone t3elling me you can't take a base he would've made away from the runner and R2 should be at third because "there's no way the defense could have gotten him". My argument is you can only give the runner the last legally obtained base because the defense stopped playing due to your error. Who is right?

I used to work with a guy who, when the bench was getting on him, he would tell the coach, "Coach, I can't really tell who is on me, but if it continues, I'll go down the bench ejecting people until we find out who it is. And, I'm going to start with your clean-up hitter." Not saying that's a proper way to handle it, just thought it was an amusing anecdote.

If it's outside the fence, leave it alone. Never address spectators it can only end badly.

This could be avoided with a good pre-game. Let your partner know, on a third strike down, just hold out his hand. Palm up, catcher caught it clean, palm down, he didn't.

Called a strike on a pitch just off the outside in a Men's League game. Had the batter (self-professed second coming of Jeter)simply asked quietly while looking forward if that was the edge of my zone he would've gotten the same consideration in return. But he decided to take a step toward me and yell, "Jesus, is that the very edge of your zone?" My answer, "It was, but it ain't now."

I have actually worked with people who suggested this. They didn't last long. Never go to your partner for the sole purpose of keeping a coach quiet. You'll be expected to every play. There are, however, times when you need to ask. Sometimes a glance is all that's needed, especially if you pre-game it. I was working with a veteran college umpire and one of the most respected in our association. I had a play where I was in B and the batter bunted to advance the runner. The throw to first from the third baseman was in the dirt and the second baseman dropped to his knees to block it. In blocking the ball, he also completely blocked me. I could see he had the ball but couldn't see through his legs to see the base. I gave a quick glance to my partner and he immediately said, "He held the base, Jackie." Thank you very much, sir, we have an out.

Run-rule game; HS game 4.5 innings 57 minutes 7 inning game; Summer HS wood bat league 2-1, 1:18 Extra innings; HS game; 13 innings, 2:10

Don't remember who the umpire was but the pitcher, I believe, was Jim Palmer.

You guys could screw up an anvil with a rubber hammer.

Yesterday in a Bronco game, kid had a 3-02 count, takes one down the middle and just before I ring him up, looks back, smiles and says, "That's a strike. Can't take those.". Good call, young man.

Kid once told my high school coach the ball took a bad hop. He replied, "Anybody can stop a good one."

Yes, but you have to be careful. A dear friend of mine (the man who started me umpiring) once rang a kid up in a high school game and the kid threw his bat up in the air. My friend said, "If that bat hits the ground, you're done.". The bat hit the backstop overhang and the knob lodged in the fence and hung there. After the half inning, the kid (who was pitching) is warming up and his coach comes out with another bat, throws it up and hits the kid's bat, dislodging it. As soon as the bat hit the ground, my friend turns to the pitcher and gives him the heave-ho.

Men's League game, 3-1 count, the pitcher throws a borderline fastball. Before I make the call, the batter (who happened to be the catcher) drops his bat and takes off toward first. So, of course, I ring up the strike. He comes back with a big smile and says, "I made that one easy for you, didn't I?". "Yes, you did"

Men's League game today. I had a very close play at the plate and banged the runner out. Offensive bench (good-naturedly) says, "I think I want to see the replay on that one.". I pause, appear to be in thought, then turn to the dugout and announce, "Upon further review the call on the field is confirmed. Play ball." We had a great day from that point on.

Pony Game. I ring a kid up on three down the middle, he's watching like he bought a ticket. As he's walking back to the dugout, his coach yells from 3B coaching box, "Son, there's no automatic on those bats. They're all manually operated." Next pitch had to wait for me to stop laughing.