Expert: Andrew Mullins - 8/9/2010

Question
Can a home plate umpire overturn a call at first base without being aske by an appeal?

Answer
That's a loaded question......As the umpire in chief, technically he can but as far as a matter of respect we generally will not unless asked by our partner.

However, in my personal opinion, the goal is always to get the call right.  So if I am the 1B umpire %26 you see something that I did not see or have a better angle, I don't care what position you are working, I want your help.  I expect %26 tell my crew to get my attention.  We do that by having "private" sings that tells me my pard "wants me to appeal to him".  Then we will talk %26 hopefully make a more informed decision.

There should never be big egos on the field, but we see that every day in officiating.  Here's Andy's rule...we get together %26 discuss in basketball, football, lacrosse, %26 rugby.  So why do we think we cannot make a joint decision in baseball?

Thanks for the question....If this helps please rate me positively, if not then come back to me....

Thanks, Andy