Quote:
Originally posted by Art N
Interesting comment on positioning! I am a new ump and have only done 5 high school games to date. With the bases loaded situation and in the c position, it is sometimes difficult to get an angle fast enough (we were taught.. "don't make calls while you are on the move"). Yesterday, I had a play like your play described above... ball hit to the left side, bases loaded, I was in the C position...pitcher attempts to make play on ball, boobles, can't get runner at home...now turns to make play at third, too late...now looks to first (had a play but didn't make a throw). I would have been hard pressed to get an angle on sweep tag... Perhaps I was out of position? I have heard some guys say they stay in the B position with bases loaded and let UIC have third! Any thoughts?
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When the ball is hit, step up and let the ball turn you. Take a few crossover steps to the "working area," which is the place behind the mound. Once a throw is made and you know where it is headed, take a few more steps and come set.
Since the bases were loaded and there was a runner scoring, you HAVE to get the angle on the sweep tag. Your partner has primary responsibilities (watching R3 touch home, watching R2 touch third, watching for obstruction on R2 rounding third) and he may not be able to help you at first. Better to assume he can't help you and work as hard as you can in getting the play right.
Moving on contact to a position where you can subsequently move when the fielder commits to a base is important. Angle over distance. You don't need to be on top of the play at third base if it happens there -- it is a force play. Slide over behind the mound and when you read the bad throw you should have an angle giving you the best look possible on a tag play. Use all the clues around you in making a decision -- did the glove collapse into the runner -- did the players' reaction tell you what happened?
Make the call confidently. Sell the call and if a coach comes out don't be quick in pushing responsibility to an umpire who may not have even had the chance to look in that direction.
--Rich