Expert: Martin Hoover - 4/16/2008

Question
In a recent Little League(Majors)game at our park, with one out, and a runner on first, the batter hit a line drive to the pitcher. The pitcher fielded the line drive in the air, turned, and threw to first, attempting to catch the runner who was off the bag.The runner returned to first base. Whether or not the runner left early is not at issue. The field umpire, positioned towards second base, at the edge of the infield/outfield grass, with his view being obliquely behind the runner who was attempting to return to first, called the runner safe. Seemingly, to everyone in the park, except the field umpire, the runner was out by a step and a half. The fielding team's coach indicated to the home plate umpire, that he would like to appeal the call. The home plate umpire called the runner out, and then explained to the coach attempting to appeal the call, that he(the coach), had to direct his appeal to the field umpire first. If the field umpire then chose to ask for assistance from the home plate umpire he could. The home plate umpire stated that since the appeal was directed to him first, he was obligated to support the field umpires call. The home plate umpire admitted that he too thought the runner was out. He was also better positioned to make the call with a perpendicular view of the play, rather than obliquely behind the play as was the field umpire. Was this the proper ruling, or can the home plate umpire in this situation(two-man crew), overrule the call?

Gratefully,

Al Willis

Answer
Al,

Below is an excerpt from the Rules Instruction Manual for Little League clinics:

"No umpire may overrule another umpire on any judgment call! PERIOD! EXCLAMATION POINT!"

The home plate umpire is correct that he cannot overrule or make the call for the base umpire.  The call at first is the field umpires call to make.  The coach should call time, and ask to talk to the field umpire, and ask if he could appeal to the plate umpire.  Please keep in mind that if the field umpire does not wish to appeal to their partners, they do not have to.

While the plate umpire might have agreed, you must keep in mind that maybe his partner in the field might of had a different view of the play.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask.

-Martin Hoover