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As,
It is taught that the base umpire in "B" will step forward as the ground ball is hit. He will then pivot with his chest towards the ball and follow the toss to the second base bag.
As the force out is being made at second the base umpire starts towards first base in a direct line angling towards the 45' line to get a more clear look at first base (using the cross over step), he keeps his eyes on the ball as it passes him as it head towards F3.
At this time the Base Umpire reads the throw (as the ball is in the air the BU announces "OUT" assuming it was a successful force at second)and as the ball passes him he STOPS and completes the pivot to pick up the play at first base.
If the umpire has read that it is a good throw he moves his eyes to the base and listens for the ball hitting F3's glove.
During the play the Plate Umpire is to move out to a position in the infield on the Third Base side of the mound. The Plate Umpire is responsible for the end of the Forced Play Slide Rule and the ensuing contact with the pivot man.
Let me make this clear . . . if illegal contact occurs before or while the pivot is being made it is the BU's call . . . if the contact is after the pivot man's throw it is the PU's call.
Things NOT TO DO during the process:
The Plate Umpire cannot stay behind the plate and watch. He also cannot leave the plate area too early as he needs to make sure of a clean momvement of the BR towards first base.
The Base Umpire should never, ever say, "Out at 2 and safe at One" or ANY style of this language. You say "safe" or "out" --
Because of the basic mechanic the base umpire really needs to take the swipe tag and pulled foot by himself. If the PU is out to help on the safety issue of the FPSR it is important that the BU be ready to make adjustments to cover any activity at first base.
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In closing:
NO, it is NOT a mechanic for the PU to come out and make the call at FIRST BASE on that end of the double play.
It is not done, period!
21st Century mechanics or not . . . it is not done.
[Edited by Tim C on Mar 24th, 2005 at 12:04 PM]
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