Special Article

Special Article

Crew Consultations

There are so many things that go on during a baseball game and the general expectation of the coaches and players is that we make all the correct calls on the field and see every little detail of what goes on during the game. Tags, touches, HBP, pulled foot, just to name a few, are all things that we need to be aware of and since we’re not all perfect, getting the crew together can help us get the call right!

First, things like judgement should not be on your list of things to “get help” on. We all miss calls, but we can’t get help on judgement on force plays and tags at the various bases. That’s an instant replay/video review option, but not for the vast majority of games that most of us work. If a coach asks you to get help on play like that, you should ask him what element of the play he/she wants you to get help with. If they think you just got it wrong, politely let them know that you’re not going to be able to get the crew together for a judgement call.

Now, if the coach says, “I think he may have pulled his foot!”, you can get the crew together because that’s an element of the play that would impact a safe or out decision. He either held the bag or he didn’t.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Call Time! Make sure the ball is dead. If you don’t, one day it will happen…. A coach will take advantage of the situation and send a runner or do something silly that will create an issue.
2. Once it is determined that you can get help on that play/call, the coach must go back to their dugout or position (as a base coach). You should mention to them that once you get together, whatever decision is made, that decision is final and cannot be argued. If they don’t head to their position, you should wait to start your consultation.
3. In the conversation with your partner/partners, the play should be discussed including the element the coach is asking about. While discussing the play that could be overturned/reversed, it’s important to make sure to ask your partner if he’s 100% sure of what he saw. All partners with information about the play should bring up what they saw. You should never change a call without certainty that the original decision was incorrect.
4. If the original call is upheld, the calling umpire should signal whatever the original call was. At that point, you should all return to your positions. The coach is not able to argue so there shouldn’t be anything. If they do argue, remind them they cannot argue the decision and warn them if they do not stop.
5. IF the original call is going to be changed, when the crew breaks the consultation, the first move needs to be to the offended coach. Explain why the original call is being changed and hear them out as long as they are respectful. Once that’s done, signal the change and place runners appropriately.

Crew Consultations should always be done with all members of the crew. We are a team and we make those decisions together. If you’re on a 3 or 4- man crew, there’s a chance that a partner or two may not have any information to add, but should be part of the decision process and plan to communicate the result of the consultation.

It’s always a good idea to study the rules and see what plays help should or shouldn’t be gotten on. Crew Consultations should also be a part of your pre-game discussions, that way the crew is prepared for all situations!

Happy Consulting!