CI, BI, Oh Sh!....

[treedog24]

Second game of a DH (14U-"very competive" House ball), I am working by myself (the league "can't" afford two guys at this level). R3, 2 outs, R3 starts for home and I hear "step off", I think I see F1 one step off but get block out F2 who is jumping up in front of me to get the ball. Sure enough BR set up to bunt and F2 jump up in front of plate. Since I think F1 step off making him a fielder and I call the BR out on BI and negate the run. OC and 1st base coach both come to me wanting to know why I call it the way I did (it was a one run game at that point). I told the OC what I saw but of course I'm not sure since F2 timed his jump up right to block me out. My question is: I know if I have a partner I can go to him to ask about the step off but since I am by myself I left to my own peril so what could I have done differently to see this play and feel a 100% certain in my call?

On a side note this was night for the rules test? Int., Bangers, pick-offs, force slide, barking coaches, and the first real hot day in Detroit. :givebeer:

[mstaylor]

It's funny that you say very competative but only one umpire. Make your call, explain it and send them back to the dugout.

I think in leagues that only use one umpire should be restricted to one coach on the field. He has to stay in the dugout, keep the book, watch the kids, call pitches or base signals.

[Mr Umpire]

What can you do with 1 umpire? See as much as you can and hope things work out for the best. I doubt there would be much room for adjustment if F2 jumps in front at the last moment. Not all calls are made feeling 100% correct about it. All you can do is work with what you have. And, since you felt more comfortable with your call of BI rather than CI, go with what you feel is the right call since you have no help and got shielded.

I can't imagine you doing anything differently unless (maybe) read and anticipate the play to try and get into a better position. But, I doubt this would have been possible due to the timing of the whole play and getting blocked out. It sounds like you did all that can be done with 1 umpire.

[moblue]

I can't tell in your op if you mentioned you weren't sure, or if you just meant you defended a call you were unsure of. If you actually had mentioned you were unsure, it might be a good time to hint (or outright say) that if you had a base umpire to get help from you could make certain to get the call right. Did they offer to get a parent to call the bases before the game started? They do that all the time one of the local leagues I call in.

[treedog24]

I can't tell in your op if you mentioned you weren't sure, or if you just meant you defended a call you were unsure of. If you actually had mentioned you were unsure, it might be a good time to hint (or outright say) that if you had a base umpire to get help from you could make certain to get the call right. Did they offer to get a parent to call the bases before the game started? They do that all the time one of the local leagues I call in.

Mo, All I saw before I got block out was movement by the pitcher that looked like a step off, poor lighting and two big kids in front of me while I'm locking in for the pitch did not help. I will admit I may of gotten some tunnel vision due to it being late in game #2. I know next time I going to make sure that I see the pitcher.

As far as parents umpiring, these coaches and parents are a bunch of rats and I would not have offer up anything because of the firestorm it would create. I did run into Divison President after the game and inform him of my "lovely" night. I have umpire other games of his (17 U) where I have a GREAT Partner:clap: and he likes the way my partner and I call a game, so he understands what is involved and where I stand.

My Partner is a retired teacher has done all levels of ball HS, College, Adults and at one time worked with a MLB umpire before he went pro. I consider him my mentor. ;)

[moblue]

As far as parents umpiring, these coaches and parents are a bunch of rats and I would not have offer up anything because of the firestorm it would create. I did run into Divison President after the game and inform him of my "lovely" night.

I get those teams every once in a while too. Thankfully I don't recall ever having to call a game solo with any of them.

[BT_Blue]

Wasnt there something in FED (might just be here in CA though) that says, in situations that have to deal with rules (this one could possibly), you can bring the two HCs together and talk to them about it.

In my mind this is a rules issue as if F1 stepped off then you have BI, if he didnt then you have CI and you issue the option to the offense. Of course you dont mention this until later but still.

Now I know Im going to get heat for this, and due to things being packed away my move at the end of the month, I do not have my HS casebooks/rulebooks/etc.

Maybe someone can help me out.