who's in charge here...???

[EverySingleWeekend]

Someone help me out please! Couple weekends ago, DD is pitching, runner on first, steals second, meanwhile catcher throws down to SS @ 2 base, base ump calls runner safe, our coach wants DD to appeal call...she goes to plate to ask for help, he calls time, sends her over to base ump first...appeals to him, he comes & talks to plate ump, call gets overturned (that's not the important part though!)...plate tells her she needs to appeal to base first, as he made the call...OK, got it...

Past weekend, get the EXACT same scenario...so DD goes to base ump, as she's been told...HE tells her she needs to talk to plate ump, he's in charge...

If the base ump makes the call, does DD appeal to him first because he made the call...or to plate ump, as it's his field??? Thanks for the help!

[ArmChairCoach]

After all play has stopped, call time, and go to the Umpire who made the call in question. This isn't really an "appeal"; it is asking the umpire who made the call to check with and possibly get help from the other umpire. Example, base umpire behind Shortstop with runners on and a throw is made to 1B on fielded ball in which base umpire calls an out as the throw clearly beats the runner. However, from a better angle, it was clear 1B pulled her foot from the bag. At this point, call time, go to the base umpire who made the call, let him know you think 1B was pulled from the bag and ask him/her to check with partner for help. Usually they comply and the call gets made correctly.

In addition, if I'm the opposing coach, I'm probably headed to the parking lot shortly afterwards. I would have a little chat with the blues because if the base umpire (who should be on top of the play) calls safe!! and the plate umpire (probably from behind the plate) overrules with an "out" - hmmm - just saying. I don't see any veteran plate umpire overruling his partner from that position.

Not sure why a base umpire who made the call would send you to the plate umpire because "he is in charge".

And mainly, why is the coach sending the pitcher to question the call? The last thing I want is one of my players asking an umpire to go get help from their partner!! This should be from the coach and the coach only..... In my opinion anway.

[MTR]

Someone help me out please! Couple weekends ago, DD is pitching, runner on first, steals second, meanwhile catcher throws down to SS @ 2 base, base ump calls runner safe, our coach wants DD to appeal call...she goes to plate to ask for help, he calls time, sends her over to base ump first...appeals to him, he comes & talks to plate ump, call gets overturned (that's not the important part though!)...plate tells her she needs to appeal to base first, as he made the call...OK, got it...

Past weekend, get the EXACT same scenario...so DD goes to base ump, as she's been told...HE tells her she needs to talk to plate ump, he's in charge...

If the base ump makes the call, does DD appeal to him first because he made the call...or to plate ump, as it's his field??? Thanks for the help!

What was the sanctioning body?

[ArmChairCoach]

What was the sanctioning body?

No kidding? May be a good point. Do different sanctions operate differently on a situation like this? Hmm. Maybe I'll learn something today.

[wadeintothem]

Bahaha .. DD appeals about outs?

Go to your dugout girl.

[wadeintothem]

It occurs to me that the question "whos in charge here" might be better aimed to your DD's coach and her team.
Whats he doing during all this? Cleaning the mustard off his shirt?

[MTR]

What was the sanctioning body?

No kidding? May be a good point. Do different sanctions operate differently on a situation like this? Hmm. Maybe I'll learn something today.

Don't really know, which is why I asked. There are some out there (more likely in the little-ball world) that have a "crew chief" or UIC and they may have control of the game. Like I said, that's why I am asking. Or maybe this particular umpire was from an org or assn which used such a chain of command.

[EverySingleWeekend]

The first situation was a friendly, the second was a tournament game. Both situations (if I remember correctly), the base ump was behind 2nd base, the tag was towards the front (catch threw it down, etc)...so plate ump may have had a better view, who knows? Just trying to figure out what to tell DD as to who to ask for help I also wondered why it was DD asking, not the coach...maybe trying to get the girls to take initiative...I know he'll have catcher ask for help as to "did she check or swing" situation...

thanks!

[wadeintothem]

The first situation was a friendly, the second was Fresno Force game. Both situations (if I remember correctly), the base ump was behind 2nd base, the tag was towards the front (catch threw it down, etc)...so plate ump may have had a better view, who knows? Just trying to figure out what to tell DD as to who to ask for help I also wondered why it was DD asking, not the coach...maybe trying to get the girls to take initiative...I know he'll have catcher ask for help as to "did she check or swing" situation...

thanks!

A catcher asking for help on a check swing is different than a retired runner runner asking for help on something. You should be teaching her to go to her dugout if shes called out. The coach can talk to the umpires.

If not, she will learn soon enough I'm sure. I dont know any experienced umpires who would pay any attention to such a request by a JO player... and frankly, your play does not sound like one I'd go for help on even if a coach asked me.

[ArmChairCoach]

Perfectly said Wade... except... a retired runner did not ask for "help" or the appeal (in his example).... it was the pitcher in the circle who asked the BU to check with the PU. Your thoughts still apply though.

Other than that... I'm with you - a player (AT ANY AGE) should never ask an umpire to get help from his partner or question a call. That is the coach's job.

Actually, most of the time, this is taken care of in pre-game with the umpires and coaches at home plate. I've heard it a thousand times, and have said it a hundred times - "if you have a question about a call, call time, and go to the umpire who made the call... blah blah blah. You call it in the air".