Quote:
Originally posted by officialtony
Wow,
Well I certainly haven't worked over 3600 games. I just read the FED Umpires Manual. When it says
" On the ground ball hit to the infield, head towards first base, either down the running lane or on the infield grass. Try to get at least 10 to 15 feet from home plate, the farther the better, but stop in time to watch the play at first. This initial hustle shortens the distance to where the action is. It also gives you a better vantage point from which to see runner infractions. Sometimes what starts as a routine play develops into a difficult situation for the base umpire. If the plate umpire has moved properly, he will be where he can see what is happening and be of assistance to his partner, if his help is requested. "( page 14, Item VI.,15 ), it certainly wasn't written for Tee because he NEVER needs help at 1st in that situation.
If the situation couldn't arise, FED wouldn't cover it.
I can tell you it was written for me because I may need help - and I will certainly ask for help if I need it because I want to make the RIGHT call. My ego isn't that big that I think I can't make a mistake or miss a call. Someday I'll be that good - I hope.
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The FED manual goes into the trash the minute it arrives. Once it has the base umpire taking the BR into third on a bases empty triple like it should, I'll refrain from throwing it out.
I've asked for help once in 15 seasons. It was when a fielder ran in front of the first baseman making a play and I had no idea whether a tag was applied. A truly third world play. But on anything normal: Read, react, get in position (which means getting an angle, not running straight towards first base), get set, make the call.
[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Feb 25th, 2005 at 02:08 AM]