Umpire Qualifications

Umpiring is not an easy job

This really does say it all about what good umpires should do.

 

Close tj

Look at the situation in #1 again. Although you preceded your answers with a good explanation, look at the situation given. LOL

Braves, To answer your question about allowing the ball to hit, perfectly legal. Usually used when the batter is loafing to first. Also works if there is a speed merchant on first and you want to get her/him out and leave a slower runner on first.

I teach my pitcher, ss, and 2nd base(and warn the umps) to let an easily handled Inf Fly to hit. Guess what, one or all the runners will take off. Easy DP. I don't allow 1st or 3rd basemen to do it because ball may roll foul.

Be prepared tho, these situations tend to make opposing coaches and fans very angry.

 

Stretchlon

Thanks for waiting. I was sure #1 and #4 would get some people.

 

Jester, my comments were about umpires in general, the only thing I said about your questions was that "one of the questions seemed to be a trick question". I was referring to #1, in that infield fly must be runners on 1st and 2nd,,, not 1st and 3rd.

I agree the infield fly rule is very confusing to many, so is explaining how a lefthanded pitcher balks or doesn't balk on his move to 1B, that is very confusing to many also.

 

IMO that is one of the more difficult calls for a two man high school crew because of the positions (behind the plate and in a slot) they have to see the play. How about it Stretch?

 

BALK BALK BALK

You guys are correct...for the most part umps won't call it on a lefty BUT this year more emphasis is being put on the lefties that are known to beat the system.

 

Proper call

The good umpire on a popup near the line will always say "Infield fly...batter is out IF FAIR"

 

I can't help but laugh, Stretchy. Who's going to hear that. Many times they don't even call "infield fly"...they just signal it.

They might as well call out "Infield Fly---batter is not out if the ball goes foul and 1st baseman gets banged in the back by the 2nd baseman causing him to drop the ball.....and by the way, if it does happen can someone bring me a drink?""

Just kiddin' with ya. That is indeed the correct call

 

Here is One I Saw

Bases loaded - no outs.
Batter bunts the ball down the third base line.
Double play opportunity, so the field umpire (me) rotates toward first behind the mound.
Third baseman throws to catcher for the first out.
Catcher throws to first for second out.

While this is going on...the runner from second cuts through the infield (not coming anywhere near the third base bag) in order to score as the throw back home from the first baseman is too late. I am watching the play at first so the runner is behind me...my partner at home is watching to make sure the catcher has his foot on the plate for the first out.

What is the call?

 

Hahahaha...I swear I have only seen this at a pickup softball game. In all my years, I don't think I've ever seen someone do that blatantly.

I really don't know the rule, but if it's outside of youth ball, I would have tossed him and his coach