Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/26/2009

Question
In a little league game, with a runner on first, a ground ball is it to the shortstop.  The SS opts to make the play at first, the throw is made across and the 1st baseman comes off the bag.  He stomps his foot back towards the base but misses the bag by about a foot.  The field ump, who is in between 1st & 2nd, cannot see from the angle and calls the runner out.  The Home Plate umpire sees, clearly, the missed touch and overrules immediately signalling "safe" and motioning that the 1st baseman was "off the bag" with 2 arm waves.  MUST the Home Plate Umpire (and Crew Chief) wait for the request from the field ump in order to be valid or can he act on his own?

Answer
No, as a veteran ump myself, I would appreciate & expect my partner to assist in getting the call correct, no matter what the circumstance.  That is taught in all umpire camps & should be a part of the pre-game between officials.

Although it is aommon to request help from your partner, either way is no problem.  The ultimate goal is to get the call correct.

Great question.....

Thanks, Andy

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