smittyism rears its ugly head

[1dumbquestion]

This wasn't my 1st game nor my 1000th game, this was somewhere in the meaty middle. I had to this point an uneventful base game when it happened. It was quick and sudden and came without warning. There I was in C getting ready for what was supposed to be a routine 5-3 putout to end the inning. The BR was a tad faster then expected the F5 a bit slow on the transfer. I was about to have a banger, great, no problem... I've got this. You know those Snicker Bar commercials, "wanna get away for a while"? The ball hits the glove, the foot hits the bag, I've got myself an out. My timing is on, I waited just long enough to make sure I had a ball in the glove. The 1st base coach, on the other hand, was much faster in his call of safe. Sorry coach, this one is mine. I go to ring him up, right arm comes up, punches him out, hard enough to lift my left foot a bit. My mouth opens... SAFE!. WTH? Did I just hear what I think I heard? Sure enough I did, as well as everyone else. I quickly reaffirmed my out call physically and verbally twice and jogged out to shallow right to hide in the tall grass. I've moved on now as this was a couple of games ago but I do work with that partner again soon and I'm sure he'll remind me. Just thought I'd share, 1

[mbrown2097]

Join the club.  I am sure that we could start a stupid human tricks section on this board and fill it with examples like this.

[jkumpire]

Did you bring your clone to the game and let him work an inning?

 

Don't worry about it  If this is the only mistake you've made this season you are way ahead of eveyrone else on the site. Congratulations! 

[Mike Prince]

The running left handed hammer is next!

[ScubaUmp]

No running hammer. A strong YES HE DID, with a safe signal, on a check swing.

[boyinr]

Join the club.  I am sure that we could start a stupid human tricks section on this board and fill it with examples like this.

I'll start. My second year in a varsity scrimmage I am in B and R1 is stealing, I get in a good position, track the ball, watch the slide, see the tag, pause and say "show me the ball". F2 holds up his glove with the ball and I give a loud and strong "Safe" along with the proper mechanic. I will never be allowed to forget this as my son was the F2. He didn't say a word then but he reminds me at least once a year of this gaffe.

[Richvee]

I haven't done the "safe/out mechanic" yet, but the big called strike 3 mechanic on strike 2 feels about the same, id expect...Difference being I couldn't  run and hide in the tall grass of FR afterwards.   

[MB_Ump]

Join the club.  I am sure that we could start a stupid human tricks section on this board and fill it with examples like this.

I'll start. My second year in a varsity scrimmage I am in B and R1 is stealing, I get in a good position, track the ball, watch the slide, see the tag, pause and say "show me the ball". F2 holds up his glove with the ball and I give a loud and strong "Safe" along with the proper mechanic. I will never be allowed to forget this as my son was the F2. He didn't say a word then but he reminds me at least once a year of this gaffe.

That is a quick F2... :-)

[Stan W.]

If you have been umpiring for any length of time, this has happended to you.........its embarassing, but it happens........

[mtnump]

 

 

Join the club.  I am sure that we could start a stupid human tricks section on this board and fill it with examples like this.

I'll start. My second year in a varsity scrimmage I am in B and R1 is stealing, I get in a good position, track the ball, watch the slide, see the tag, pause and say "show me the ball". F2 holds up his glove with the ball and I give a loud and strong "Safe" along with the proper mechanic. I will never be allowed to forget this as my son was the F2. He didn't say a word then but he reminds me at least once a year of this gaffe.

That is a quick F2... :-)

 

I was thinking the same thing!

[ump570]

I haven't done the "safe/out mechanic" yet, but the big called strike 3 mechanic on strike 2 feels about the same, id expect...Difference being I couldn't  run and hide in the tall grass of FR afterwards.   

I've done that before. That's the worst. But don't feel bad, I was watching a AAA game Scranton Railriders a few nights ago and the PU rung the batter up with a nice punch out on Strike 2. You could see the poor guy just put his head down. The broadcasters were very forgiving. I recall one saying, "Well they are human. It happens." I can only assume maybe the broadcaster had umpired a game or two. I think all announcers should have to umpire one game before they can get in the booth. This is a fantasy, but it's fun to dream. 

[IABlue]

JUCO regional this past weekend, I'm working 3rd and am on the line, hard shot right at the bag hits the 3B just inside the line, my PU voiceiferously and LOUDLY screams "FAIR BALL!" to the shock and surprise of just about everyone.

 

At least he got the call right...