Wondering what people think the most difficult calls are for an umpire to make.

Long ago I used to think a close play at first would be most difficult, with the thought that the umpire must simultaneously look at two things six feet apart (the glove and the base). But then I learned that the umpire watches the base and listens for the ball hitting the glove. Suddenly it seemed easy.

I’m thinking the following are the most difficult:

1. fair/foul when the arc of the ball his higher than the foul pole
2. tag play at a base when the tag is made away from the base (the “high tag”)
3. low strike on the opposite corner from where the ump lines up
4. runner leaving the base early when tagging up

Concerning hard to see plays, how about the base runner touching second or third at full speed, not just stepping beside the bag.

Playing 2nd base for my softball team, I always appeal to the umpire to see if he will give me a call.