Quote:
Originally posted by Thane Yennie
Okay new subject. I have often felt my coverage (perception) of plays at the plate was a little weak. Are there any tips of the trade out there to help in making those calls. Outside of third or first baseline extended, don't get to close. I am often "blinded" by the dust cloud rolling in and the dirt covering the plate as the runner slides. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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PBUC Manual
7.24 POSITIONING FOR PLAYS AT THE PLATE
The basic fundamental position for plays at the plate recommended by the Umpire Development Program for beginning professional umpires is the first base line extended. However; after gaining professional experience, it is permissible for veteran umpires to use alternative positions to take this play In particular following technique is acceptable for experienced umpires:
Take the play by starting in the area between the first base line extended and the "point" of home plate, then swing to the left (i.e., first base line extended) or right (i.e., third base line extended), depending on the direction of the throw to the plate and the anticipated closeness of the play. In using this alternative, the plate umpire must be certain that he is completely set and not moving before the play occurs.
The alternative above takes into consideration the fact that if the play at the plate is a swipe tag, the optimal position is generally the third base line extended; and if the play at the plate results in an actual blocking of home plate, the preferred position is the first base line extended. Swipe tags often occur when the play is going to be close and the runner will attempt to elude the tag, while blocking of the plate can occur on a ground ball to the infield or on a play where the throw has the runner beat by a large margin. Also, swipe tags can occur when the catcher must reach out and take the throw from the right side, while blocking of the plate often occurs when the throw is coming from the catcher's left side. (These are simply guide-lines, and if the umpire decides to implement an alternative position for plays at the plate, he must take each play independently and position himself accordingly.)
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That said, I personally prefer to be even with or looking at the play developing as it is coming slightly towards my position instead of viewing the play from behind my position. If a train wreck is going to occur I want to see it coming.
