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Hmmm,
jicecone:
You asked:
"For my own purposes, from the "B" or "C" positions, with the play at first being the second play by the infield, and the throw coming from around 3b, what is the footwork required to get oneself in position to make that call, CLEARLY."
Let's just make one simple decision to make this common mechanincs. However the play has happened and where ever the runners started you want me to cover the play at first as second play with the throw coming from F5's area.
Great start:
I began the play in either "B" or "C".
There was a call made at either second or third base which moved me towards that base and then the ball got to the F5 area. It really isn't imporant how it got these to answer your question.
As F5 starts the throwing motion I am somewhere around the mound (can't say exactly as we don't know how the play occurred);
Many things start happening in my mind at this time:
I quickly read F5's intentions, I recognize that there are (or could be) other runners on the bases whewre F5 may shift his attention to them . . .
After pausing and reading I start a drift towards the correct angle (remember, angle over distance) to make the play if the throw is a good throw (I assume that the fielder will make a good) . . .
Since I am still watching the fielder as I drift I know read a second action -- the quality of the throw . . .
As the throw starts to pass me I turn and become set (most of the time I have made some distance but mostly angle) NEVER having taken my eyes from the ball.
As the ball nears F3 I shift my view down F3 body towards his feet (this is the first indication of a bad throw as we'll see F3 shifting) . . .
Continuing to read F3 I then take (at most) a half step to adjust my angle THEN if there is a problem I lean (right or left) while watching F3's foot . . .
I then listen for the ball hitting the glove, and watch the fielder's foot and for the runners foot touching the base.
When the ball is complete I make my call.
I agree that most umpires that work non-professional games are held to a different set of expectations. I am answering first for me and then for umpires that need further training.
Can an umpire get "straight lined"? Sure.
Could I have possibly been "straight lined"? Sure.
If I WAS "straight lined" would I ask for help? . . . don't know, can't answer honestly but I would hope that I would have the call (in my heart) and make the call.
In closing, have I ever been trapped clear over in "C" and made a long distance call at first in a situation where there is (or is not) a pulled foot? Sure.
And I made my call with the information I had at the time.
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