Base Umpire Mechanics Question

[sapper33]

Base Umpire, no matter what position. Observes catchers interference(bat hit the glove while swinging at the pitch). Can the base ump make the call or is it strictly a Home plate ump call? In my association noone can come to an agreement as to the correct answer. Thanks

[SoCalASABlue]

Since the base umpire can call an illegal pitch even if the PU does not see it, I see no reason why a base umpire could not call catcher's obstruction...however, it's hard for me to see how a BU would be able to make that specific call without the PU not also realizing there was catcher's obstruction...

I guess it could happen since the BU is also responsible for check swings..

Since the OP doesn't mention whether the discussion is for 2 or 3 umpire mechanics, whether there are runners on base, etc., there may be more specific BU responsibilities getting too little attention from the BU depending on the many scenarios...

[sapper33]

2 ump mechanics, HS ball...It was really obvious when I saw it twice this weekend. When I asked my partner about it later, he said he saw it but just didn't call it. Fortunately, neither coach complained and neither did the catcher or batter. just wanted to know if it is proper to call it from base U positions. Also, both times i was in the 3rd base position.

[SoCalASABlue]

If your partner, who was the PU, admitted he saw it but didn't call it, there is a much larger issue than simply proper BU mechanics...IMHO...

[umpinva]

2 ump mechanics, HS ball...It was really obvious when I saw it twice this weekend. When I asked my partner about it later, he said he saw it but just didn't call it.

Did you ask your partner why he wasn't calling CI? You may want to find out what other rules he doesn't feel like enforcing that you need to be aware of in case you two partner up again.

[wadeintothem]

Any umpire can technically call int or obs.

IMO, BU should not make a catchers obstruction call; with exception for something extraordinary. This is not BUs call. I look up and see my BU holding his arm out and he announces CO, we will be having a chat between innings. PU should make that call. If PU is properly tracking the pitch, the BU should have nothing to offer that the PU cant see.

[Jalamander]

When I asked my partner about it later, he said he saw it but just didn't call it.

Unfortunately, you have more of a problem with your partner than you do with the determintion whether BU should call CO. You gotta fix the root problem.

Just wanted to know if it is proper to call it from base U positions.

No, it's not proper for a BU to be calling CO's. That's PU's job. Under extreme circumstances, the PU may be blocked by the catcher and not see contact. In that case, you would handle it just like a check swing. If the batter asks for help, and you feel you need help, go to your partner.

Had to fix "If the catcher asks" to "if the batter asks". Sheesh, why would a catcher ask?

Jalamander

[Steve M]

Any umpire can technically call int or obs.

IMO, BU should not make a catchers obstruction call; with exception for something extraordinary. This is not BUs call. I look up and see my BU holding his arm out and he announces CO, we will be having a chat between innings. PU should make that call. If PU is properly tracking the pitch, the BU should have nothing to offer that the PU cant see.

I agree with Wade - a BU technically may make that call. However a BU making that call is not likely to "survive" making that call.

[PDad]

Any umpire can technically call int or obs.

IMO, BU should not make a catchers obstruction call; with exception for something extraordinary. This is not BUs call. I look up and see my BU holding his arm out and he announces CO, we will be having a chat between innings. PU should make that call. If PU is properly tracking the pitch, the BU should have nothing to offer that the PU cant see.

Unfortunately, many umpires are not as good as you are. Seems like more often than not, the PU misses the CO until the batter says something and they see the catcher rubbing the fingers on their glove hand.

[SoCalASABlue]

I'm sure if the fresh-faced rookie BU went to the grizzled vet PU in between innings (instead of making the CO call himself) and mentioned the CO that vet may have missed, the vet would be ever so grateful and likely to be more vigilant in the upcoming innings...