one umpire overruling another umpire

The PU should not overrule the FU. That's not acceptable in the officiating world. How it should happen is this; The PU should be going up the line, watching the runner for running lane interference. The PU will also observe if F3 pulls his foot or if there is a swipe tag. He only provides the information he has observed to the FU if he is asked to do so by the FU. The FU still has the call no matter what. What level of baseball is this? Perhaps it was an old know it all veteran working with a new guy.  

I as the plate ump would never overturn the field ump. Unless he ask for my help after the play is over. Thats totaly his call. If he had really pulled his foot usualy the first base coach would have seen it too. He would probaly have ask for help ( Time! Hey Blue can i get some help on a pulled foot"). Time should have been granted for the umps to get together to get the call right. As far as the runner if the umps decided the first baseman did pull his foot the runner would remain at first because time was granted after the play. Sounds like the plate ump messed it all up!

HS baseball in Ohio. PU was an older gentleman (never seen him but obviously had been around game a long time) FU was probably mid 30 ish but I have seen him for years both at HS and travel ball (good Umpire). Actually PU made call from behind the plate, hadn't moved.

Thats not good!

I actually saw this happen in an MLB game, maybe last year.  I know it was during a Braves game, but I don't remember who they were playing.  I started a thread here on it.  Maybe the HP ump watched this game as well.  Haha.

Here is a link to that thread:

http://community.hsbaseballweb...pic/interesting-call

We had something similar happen to our school in a softball game.  Runners on first and second with 0 or 1 out.  Ball hit back to the pitcher and she does a little dance trying to figure out which base she was going to.  Finally decided to go to third for the lead runner.  Bang bang play no idea if she was out or safe because it was close and I was really far away.  Field ump makes an emphatic "yeah I got this call" safe gesture.  He left no doubt how he felt on the play.  Defensive coach comes out and talks to him and then FU goes to the PU and they talk.  Result is the runner was now out.

Why would you ask if you're going to sell the call that hard?  Wouldn't the PU be watching something else with other runners on instead of the play at third?

We too had a similar situation in a game last night... R1 headed to 2B on a ground ball. R1 pauses, then slams into F4 as he's playing the ball.  FU makes the emphatic, "I got this one" interference call, then PU comes running onto the field after Coach complains.  Short conference and call is overturned.  When I asked why, FU said PU is head umpire and over-ruled him.  I asked FU if he had asked for help, and he said "No".  My next question was why was there an over-ruling then...  The very next play, PU called time because he forgot the count, but he called the time right in the middle of the pitcher's delivery (i.e., the pitcher was stepping toward home in the delivery when time was called).

So question for our umpires, is there any directive about when PU can/cannot or should/should not call time-out in the course of a wind-up/pitch?

Thanks gents! 

The PU absolutely can not overrule the BU or vice/versa. They can get together and discuss but not just overrule a call. Now say the BU had ruled nothing and the PU came out at the same time and banged interference, there are two calls that need to be discussed. 

Very interesting point MST!

For all the umpires - what is your opinion about the time-out call?  Is there a directive, rule or some type of mechanic that says when a PU can/cannot or should/should not call time-out in the course of a wind-up/pitch?

It's never a good thing - except for a quick pitch - but sometimes it happens (batter asks for and is granted time, just as F1 starts his motion to pitch).  There are many rules that dictate the ball stays live (delayed dead if you will) at least for the nonce, but a pitcher in his motion is not one of them.

I rarely grant a batter time - unless the pitcher is really wasting time.   Remember the pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver a pitch or make a play or feint to a base from the time the ball is received from the catcher.  If a batter can't wait 20 seconds - he doesnt get the time.  As for calling a time out while in the wind up, it only happened a few times.   A dog runs onto the field, a ball from an adjoining field comes into play, lightning is seen.  Then there is always the case for safety... a wind storm suddenly kicks up a lot of dust at the plate and gets in batter / catcher / umpire eyes.  Safety is top priority.

last nite.HP umpire did not reverse any call but I watched game from car where umps had parked also.BU had missed a very obviuos play at 2nd and to me seemed to do well enough.HP ump was chewing his A#3 as they walked by car.The word mechanics.out of position.how/where you have umped before.I thought of our site here right off.The hp ump was as made at field ump as anything I have read here.I had to chucle to myself

Interesting point of view!  Thanks to you and dash for sharing your insights.  This board provides great insight, and has helped me diffuse some situations in our leagues!

College has a rule that you should only grant time if the pitcher is holding the ball to "freeze" the batter.  While that rule is not absolute of course and is treated more relaxed than it's stated, it's a good guideline at all levels.