Changing Calls

One of the most difficult situations between the lines is when an umpire must decide whether or not to reverse a call that has been made. The primary objective is to get the call correct. Other than a checked swing reversal, generally the umpiring crew should get together, discuss the situation, and any reversal should be made by the umpire who made the original call. Below are some guidelines as to when a call may or may not be reversed.

 Half-Swing at a Pitch Called a Ball — The Plate Umpire judges that the batter did not make an attempt to hit the ball or he didn’t see the batter’s offer, and that the ball did not pass through the strike zone. Then only if asked by the Plate Umpire for help, the appropriate Base Umpire should indicate that the ball is a “strike” if he judges as such and the Plate Umpire should reverse the call.  Two Umpires Make Opposite Calls on the Same Play — The umpires should meet privately and discuss it, but it looks best and will cause the least trouble if the call by the umpire closer to the play stands. This should never occur, but in the real world, unfortunate events do happen.  Partner Misinterprets a Rule — If your partner applies the wrong base award or penalty, you may ask him to meet privately and discuss it, but the umpire who made the mistake must agree to correct it and do so himself.  The Reversal Results in a Dead Ball — An event occurs, unseen (or not acknowledged) by the umpire responsible for the call that would cause a dead ball.  Ball Dropped After a Tag on a Runner — When an umpire responsible for the call clearly errs in judgment because he did not see a ball dropped. If the ball is dropped after a tag where the runner is called “out”, it may be reversed if doing so would not put the defense at a further disadvantage.  Balks Called by an Umpire who Clearly did not Realize the Pitcher’s Foot was Off the Rubber.

Calls that should Rarely be Changed:

 Any Judgment Call — Such as out/safe, balk, obstruction, interference, fair/foul, ball/strike, with the exception of a checked swing.

Calls that should Never be Changed:

 Call of “Foul” or “Foul Ball” — Where the ball touches the ground, even if made in error. The ball is then treated as if it actually was foul.  An Ejection — Of a player, coach or other participant.