I have never once thought an umpire had cheated until tonight. I know you guys are going to hammer me for saying this, but really it is the best explanation.
Situation: State semifinal ballgame. Very close all game. My son's team has a one run lead, playing defense in the bottom of the sixth. Two outs, runners on first and second.
Batter hits a swinging bunt, the ball bounces toward pitcher, who runs in, fields a head high bounce, takes his time to make a careful throw, hits the first baseman right on the glove.
First baseman gets ready to roll the ball to the mound, infiled starts to jog in. First base ump is right behind the base (three umpires) ... SAFE!
No way. It was totally routine, out by more than a full step. Radio broadcasters at the game I spoke with afterwards, had the perfect view - they were directly opposite first base. Told me "your team was completely hosed."
There is NO WAY an umpire can miss that call. It was directly in front of him the entire way. It was routinely executed, textbook, wasn't any need to hurry or anything.
My only explanation is that he did it intentionally. I know I am charging the guy with being completely unethical. But NOBODY is that incompetent, and this was a state semifinal game.
Of course the next batter hits the bases loaded single to score two and put the team up by one. And it finished there.
I've seen many bad calls, just like anyone who has been to lots of ballgames. But never once in my life have I thought that the best explanation is that the umpire intentionally threw the call.
That really is the best explanation for this one. NOBODY in that park tonight thought that kid was safe, and I am willing to bet that included the umpire.
Thank God high school is over.
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