(sorry for the length of this)
Attended daughter's softball tournament last weekend and saw some interesting things on three tag plays at third base in two man alignment. Realize not baseball, but I think some of the concepts apply.
First game, very senior and talented umpire training a new guy with zero experience. Senior guy is HU, JR guy is BU. R2, R3, ground ball to SS who throws to 3rd for a tag play. HU has runner scoring and stays behind the plate. BU gets bad position on tag. I have perfect angle from stands and can see the tag being made. He doesn't make a call. He calls time and asks for the HU to come help him. I can't hear what they're saying, but from the body language I'm thinking he's saying, "Son, you're 10 feet away and its your call, make it." BU is saying, "But I couldn't see it and I'm not sure, help me." HU coaxes a safe call out of BU, which is obviously a guess based on the way he makes the call.
I would say the correct thing would be for BU to be in position to see the play. If he isn't, he's got to make some kind of call, then ask if the BU say anything different after the play. Correct?
Second game, same two guys who switch positions. Basically the same play, except no R3 so HU has taken a few steps up the 3rd base line. BU leans around to see the air between the runner and the tag. Once again I have a perfect angle. I'd found a small piece of shade off a light pole and stayed with it, turned out to be a great spot. I'm looking between the runner, the tag and seeing his eyes. I know he had it and he called "SAFE" loudly and gave the sign. Coaches are mad and approach the HU to help the BU. BU doesn't need\want help, but HU thinks its his moral duty or something, so he goes out. Once again, a training session is given. I can't hear, but the BU is doing all the talking and reading lips, "I had the call, it was my call, I saw it and I made it. If I want your help, I'll ask for it. Don't listen to the coaches when they're questioning my call, they have to come to me and then I'll come to you if I need help." HU, "Yes sir". "SAFE". It's actually easy to read lips when you already know what they're saying... No question on this one, just an observation of how a little extra effort to get into position makes a big difference. Those two plays should be on a training video...
Third game, different crew, different field, different angle, throw from LF and play at 3rd. HU has nothing at home so he's gone half way up the third base line. BU is half way between 2nd and 3rd, having waited for the ball to pass the SS and go to LF. I can't see anything (first base stands) and on this play, neither does either umpire. They look at each other, there is long pregnant pause, then BU calls "Out" at the same time HU calls "Safe" (I swear I'm not making this up). There is another long pause, HU points to BU, who calls "Out" again. Coaches ask BU to get help from HU (I'm actually laughing out loud at this point). HU just says, "I didn't see anything", loud enough for everyone to hear. BU, without provocation says, "Neither did I, but its my call and I say out". Score is out of hand, out helps get closer to run rule and we're all hungry, so everyone laughs.
I know this play was wrong on many levels, but what is the propoer mechanic in a situation like this?
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