wonkump

I think there was gamesmanship on both sides. Also, remember it's JV. He had time to run up the line to get the runner.

He did lean a little longer than needed, but I felt that the catcher standing made things worse. NOUMPERE, what is the RIGHT reason? I do need to work on my explanations...

This one has been bugging me.... Slow moving Legion JV game. R2 and R3, no outs. OC puts on the squeeze play, batter leans over the plate for the bunt. Batter misses the pitch, but continues to lean over the plate. The catcher catches the pitch, STANDS up to get the runner who is breaking late. The catcher runs into the batter, but still gets 3 feet up the 3rd base line to try to tag the runner. Gets there late, runner slides under tag; safe. I make my call ( SAFE, no interference) and immediately ask my partner (veteran ump, great rep, but first time together) if he has interference. He says, its a tough one, but he's got the same thing i do. Of course the DC wants batter's interference. I rule that I've got nothing because the batter has a right to the box, and the catcher had time to put himself in a better position to get the runner. I think if the catcher would have blocked the plate or at least put his glove at the corner of the plate he would have got him. At what point does a Batter have to vacate a congested area?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. I knew I could some ideas from you guys. Jason, you're right, I am calling it a little quick...or at least deciding too quick. And you nailed it exactly..I panic and then I miss it.

I'm having a problem lately with batters that crowd the plate and seeing the pitch properly. I'm in the slot and their elbow hangs in the upper inside part of the strike zone. If the pitch is inside, I lose the ball and I am having trouble deciding if the hits the zone, particularly on curveballs. Is there another way to set up for that, or do I have to adjust my timing?