Quote:
Originally posted by blarson
Carl...
I like this mechanic, and use it when I have a trusted partner, but when I'm BU I feel that I end up 'busting' towards home. Does this mean that I'm waiting too long?
I make the move into the diamond on the fly to the OF, after the BR's touch of 2B I start to drift towards home anticipating that's my responsibility in case of a play. I'm also worried about a run down though where I won't be near second so I wait almost until a slide or at least the runner in that area to commit to home and in such cases I usually am on the hustle to make sure that I'm there well ahead of the play.
Am I wating to long to make that move? It just seems that he can get at least 2/3rd of the way to 3B before he is commited. On more question...if you end up rimming the diamond on one that your not quite sure of should you still be ready to conver the plate even though I wouldn't be quite as far into the diamond had I not have been? I'd tend to think that it would still be my responsibility.Bob L
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You're already at the park, buddy. By the time the BR reaches a step beyond the shortstop, if his head is down (he's not looking over his shoulder), you go to the edge of the mound. That Bubba ain't gonna return to second.
Remember, now, you don't have to be on top of the plate for the call (misplay at third). You're going to have a perfect angle on that play from inside the diamond. Remember, too, the BR will slide at third, the ball will get away, his coach will scream, he'll jump up, locate the ball, and then try to hurry home. If you're at the mound (60) and he's scrambling to his feet (90), I hope you can beat him. If not, get yourself a treadmill.
Finally, for those who don't use this mechanic: As the base umpire you will prepare to cover home 100 times in a season. Once the runner will try to score. When you make that call at the plate, every fan in the park will cheer, even the ones who lost the call.
I have never seen it to fail.
Everybody loves to see the base umpire call a play at the plate, just like they love to see a plate umpire call a play at second.