What would you do?

[mjr_2013]

I was given an All Star Game assignment (somebody thinks I'm good!  )

It was a crazy game, and one that ended in a tie after 9 innings.

 

At the beginning of the game, the bases were set at 70 feet, when they should have been set at 80. Coaches fix them, but have to make their own holes for the bases, which cause 3rd base to be unbalanced, which to be perfectly honest (in hindsight) was potentially dangerous.

 

My partner for this game had no business being an All Star Game umpire. He was a Junior umpire (a Junior in high school who didn't give a crap) who wore Aviator sunglasses and had khaki shorts on. He was standing behind the infield in B and C, and would occasionally go to A with R3 only. It was annoying the hell out of me, but he wasn't making any close calls, so it wasn't impacting the game.

 

Pick it up tied in the bottom of the 8th. Home team down 1. R2, R3, 2 outs, line drive to left center field. R2 and R3 both come in to score, but R2 did not touch 3rd. He stepped right to the side of it. I saw it, and it was very close, and I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he touched the BASE (i.e. where the bag should have been). I see that they are going to appeal it. I try to signal to my partner that the this is my call, but his back is turned to me. They appeal it, and I signal safe at the same time my partner signals out... My partner says, very loudly, "No. I have him out." I'm pissed at him now, but I take him and say "Let's talk." I asked him if he was POSITIVE that the runner missed not only the bag but the base as well. He looked at me like I was a moron and said yes. At this point I changed the call to an out... R3's run counts, game is tied, we go to the 9th. No one scored, game over due to time.

 

I don't like how I handled this at all, but I can't think in hindsight how I should have handled it, other than making sure the base was totally down prior to me putting the ball in play to start the game, or talking to the coaches as to whether we would accept the "neighborhood" of the third base bag.

 

Thoughts?

[VAUmp]

The first thing I would do would be to call my assignor and let him know that you'd prefer a real partner in the future.  

And, PU has all touches at third.  You should have explained to him that it is your call and he had no business making it.  

I'd rather work with a first day umpire that gives a $h!+ than a veteran that doesn't care.  

[Dash Riprock]

And, PU has all touches at third. 

BU has the BR's touch (n/a to the OP).

[millerforrest]

Not if the runner "cheats" the base and steps on the HOME PLATE side of 3B.....then plate better be asking for HELP.