AboutAndrew Mullins Expertise 39 years as a NHFS (high school), NAIA & NCAA (college) umpire....Expert on rules & mechanics knowlege from Dizzy Dean to pro.
Experience I also coached w/ primarily select teams (15-18) for over 15 years. I have assisted over 30 players move on to D1 & pro status.
Organizations TSSAA, NAIA, NCAA, NASO
Education/Credentials Two college degrees & two masters.
Question I am President of the Royal Belgian Baseball & Softball Federation (www.frbbs.be).
I would have an urgent question to submit regarding an extremely sensitive case we will be hearing tonight during a Federation Board Meeting. Here it is:
In the 8th inning, with 2 outs and all bases full, the hitter hit a shallow line drive into left center field. Upon the diving catch by the centerfielder, the plate umpire calls the batter out on the catch and the team on defense start leaving the field. Strong protests immediately come out of the opposing team and upon protest by their Manager, the plate umpire then consults the field umpire, who indicates that the ball had previously touched the ground. The Plate umpire then proceeded to reverse his call and the crew together decided that the runner on 3rd base had scored and that all runner had advanced 1 base.
My question is as follows: how is rule 9.02 to be interpreted and applied? If 'out' calls cannot be protested as outlined in rule 9.02a, then why does rule 9.02b allow it and 9.02c allow call reversals?
What would be your judgment? Were the umpires correct and did they act appropriately in regards of the rules?
Thank you very much in advance for your urgent assistance and support.
Best regards,
Answer Thanks for the question.....Umpire's Rule #1 - Get the call right. That's the bottom line.
First issue - The call was never the plate umpires, it was the field umpire all the way no questions asked.
Second issue - The defense cannot protest the call but they can appeal & ask for help from the other official.
But nevertheless, the umpires were correct in getting together & correcting the call. It would then stand to reason that the team would have certainly scored at least one run if not more. I do not know what rule 9.02 is as you did not specify a league or specific rule book. But the main concept is to get the call right & do the right thing by a team....I have no problems with the situation as you described it & applaud the umpires for correcting what appears to be an honest mistake.
