MLW0038

If the ball touches the fielder in fair territory it will be a fair ball, if it touches him in foul it will be a foul ball...if he is in both fair and foul territory at one, you are going to have to umpire here and make a determination if the ball touches him in fair or foul territory. If a bounding ball crosses a base it is fair (since bases are in fair territory)... Rule 2.00 Fair and Foul Ball will govern.

In your pre-game, you should discuss with your partners signals for if you get blocked out or if someone is not able to make a call (Ex. Fair/Foul) that is there's for a very very exceptionally rare reason. First off, always address a manager by first name, that's how you introduce yourself at the plate meeting, as he introduces himself to you by first name. In this situation, I do see potential (not saying the call was right or wrong) for how you could change it. Considering that the ball was batted and went out of play, it would be a two base award. Batter-Runner would go to 2nd. You'd have a hell of a time selling a defensive coach on that however. Your "senior district umpire" is incorrect in wanting to give the batter 1B. After a crew consultation, you make a decision on if your going to change the call or not. If you do you do, if you don't you don't. But if you do, please don't listen to this senior umpire, make sure you get the base award right. Yours in Baseball, MLW0038

**This is directed as a generalization in regards to the concept of baiting** Umpires are the only game officials on the field during play. You are there to be an unbiased party. Going in with a bias against this coach and his team will only hurt you. I would assume you were given this game because of your positive quality of umpiring and I congratulate you for that. However going in looking to eject him is only going to put you in a difficult position. Being trigger happy and going in knowing he's not going to make it to the end of the game is a terrible statement to make. I'm not saying that coaches shouldn't be ejected by any means, but baiting is a bad habit to get into and experienced evaluators who I'm sure will be in attendance will know that your baiting a coach. It will only hurt you in your future umpiring and games or lack thereof. Go in with a clean slate, your not there to screw him or his team, your there to umpire. If a problem does arise, draw a line in the sand, get your warnings in, and do what needs to be done. He may feel like your there to screw his team, and that's his opinion. Happy to hear your game went well. . Yours in Baseball, MLW0038