Your Partner Is Wrong

[Umpire in Chief]

I made a post yesterday on another site which got me thinking. Here's the situation...

My partner, who I believe is a year or two more senior than me, and I are watching the conclusion of the game before ours. A RH Batter attempts a drag bunt, but misses for a strike. In his charge at the ball the batter was clearly 2+ feet out of the box. I told my partner I wish he'd hit the ball so they could get the out.

My partner replies, It's accepted that batters can leave the box when drag bunting.

I say no and tell of how I've gotten that out a few times before.

He asked me if I caught crap when I did, and I said yes. He told me I caught crap because I was wrong.

We had a light conversation about the situation and he actually turned my confidence into doubt. I am glad I didn't have that situation because I then had enough doubt that I probably wouldn't have called it. We never came to an agreement on what to do.

I made my post on ABUA and received some great feedback and looked the rule up on my own when I got home to re-affirm my original thought.

So after this long introduction... How far would you go with your partner in trying to convince them they are wrong? I don't know the guy that well and work with him 1 or 2 times a year and didn't want to be too aggressive in telling him he's wrong like I might with someone I know well and have good report with.

If the situation had occurred and I not call it; that is an protestable misinterpretation of the rules, ie we're coming back for free.

[strike3scott]

Everyone kicks judgment calls whether they admit it or not. However, NO ONE should ever kick a rules situation. You would most assuredly have to have a conversation in the game about how it is a rule and not his judgment - if a coach questioned. I am not going to correct a guy in a game without some protest from a coach unless it is an award type situation. After the game though, we are going to discuss this and make sure it is right before we leave.

[littleleagueump]

In a lot of cases like this one, it may of happened too fast for you to catch. You are looking for strikes, not where the batters feet are. UNLESS, it is so obvious, don't mess with it. Don't look for trouble. Thses words are from a 22 year Little League ump.

[mepperson]

I agree with littleleagueump - if asked, I can say that, in my judgment, the front foot (the one out of the box) was in the air when the ball was hit - if the foot is in the air, it is not out of the box as the rule states that the offending part of the body must be on the ground outside of the box when contact is made. That would be my "save myself" argument if the case happened that I blew it.

Getting back to the point of the post, though - I agree that a discussion must be had after the game about it, using the rulebook if necessary. This should be held "to the side" and away from spectators, coaches and players to avoid the appearance to the "public" that the umpires aren't quite on the same page.

This should not escalate into an argument, though - if you see that your partner is not going to accept your answer, even when confronted with the rules, then it's time to agree to disagree. You're going to have to work with that partner again at some point in the future, possibly even the next day; so, you don't want animosity with your partner coming on to the field with you during that next assignment.

Similarly, going to strike3scott's comments, the discussion should be held on the field if a coach argues the call - and, if you are asked by your partner to join the conversation; do not seek out such a discussion during the game, unless 1) you are the umpire making the call; and you are in doubt about your ruling. "No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire's decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it." (Rule 9.02©, OBR) Whether in agreement with the call or not, the umpires' discussion should be held away from all players and coaches, in the middle of the infield. It should not turn into an argument, or show any discord amongst the umpires, no matter whether there is agreement or not. If the question is regarding the rules, and there is a disagreement, then the UIC should explain his/her interpretation of what should be ruled, and state to the crew that this is what is going to stand - "If different decisions should be made on one play by different umpires, the umpire-in-chief...shall determine which decision shall prevail..." (Rule 9.04©, OBR). If you are not the UIC and have the correct interpretation, but are "overruled" based on the Rules above, just go on knowing that you were correct; do not allow it to affect your relationship with your partner(s), knowing that it will catch up with the UIC eventually - the Baseball Gods have a way of making sure that the game is still played fairly and within the rules eventually...

Remember at all times that you and your partner(s) are the 3rd team on the field, and that the other two teams will "gang up" on your team if given the opportunity and if they sense weakness. They will attempt to use discord and disagreement among the umpires to disrupt the crew and keep you from working as the team that you should be. Don't let them do it!

[strike3scott]

Good comments mep & littleleagueump. I forgot to mention that about not looking for trouble. I have had a pretty good career doing that but learned it the hard way early on. This is one of the little things guys do when someone says they have "it"

[UmpInVA]

My partner replies, It's accepted that batters can leave the box when drag bunting.

I say no and tell of how I've gotten that out a few times before.

He asked me if I caught crap when I did, and I said yes. He told me I caught crap because I was wrong.

You are not wrong. A follow up question to your partner could have been: How many other rules do you not enforce because of personal preference?

[Umpire in Chief]

Initially, I didn't think I was wrong, but my partner planted that seed of doubt. I won't let that happen again.