Quote:
Originally posted by WestMichBlue
Typo, Mike. S/B the ball is nearlly parallel to the PU.
Following the ASA mechanics to the letter says that BU is 1/3 (20') towards 1B. At the MASA Clinic, the instructor insisted that we get right on, even straddle, the foul line. (I prefer to come out behind the batter and move parallel to the foul line.)
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WMB, I was referring to the play offered with a bunt fielded by F1. Unless the bunt is 20' up the 1B line, you are not going 20' down the line.
I also disagree with your MASA instructor. While the "pulled foot" is what you will most likely see, you are also looking the possibility of a swipe tag, possible interference, etc. If you straddle the foul line, you may be restricting yourself to a one-dimensional view. I can tell you the the guide included in the UIC Manual keeps the umpire inside the foul line. I would suggest by 3' to 6'.
Remember, most positioning mechanics are guidelines to set you up for the most advantageous view of the play. It is up to the umpire to know how to adjust to accommodate the unusual.