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Originally posted by Justme
Quote:
Originally posted by irefky
Quote:
Originally posted by nickrego
This year our association has adopted the newer mechanic of all umpires watching a fly ball hit into the outfield.
I think this is a bad mechanic, and don't like it one bit.
The point of having multiple umpires is not to have multiple sets of eyes on the same thing, but to have multiple sets of eyes on MORE things.
Example: No runners, ball hit into left field, the field umpire needs to be watching the runner for any interference, obstruction, or turn at 1st base, and to make sure he touches 1st base. The plate umpire needs to be watching and calling the ball. Now, both umpires are watching the ball, and sometimes calling the out. Very bad.
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I use the U thing, the "U" is an imaginary "U" that comes from position 7, looping in front of 2nd base and going into position 9. I hope I have not lost anyone. Anything on the foul side of 7 or 9 the PU will have it as the BU will watch the runners' activity. Of course any ball hit inside of the area, BU will cover and PU will watch the runner.
This is fed, 2 man crew. How many times are you guys in Ca going to be told, he did not touch the base. What will be your response? We don't look at that anymore? Or, it's not important. I am just thinking about what will happen. Has that been spoken about? Any others have any questions or concerns about this?
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Irefky:
I guess that you can use your "U thing" and I'll continue to use "The all eyes on the ball" thing as long as my HS association requires me to do so :-)
I think what you failed to read in my explanation on how the mechanic works is that it is not used on all fly balls. Let me repeat a portion of my post to better help you understand:
"On any fly ball down a foul line which has a chance to leave the field or any fly ball which may bounce over an outfield fence, all umpires on the crew are to watch the flight of the ball............On this type of play, the watching of runners touching bases is secondary". "With chain link fences, and short foul poles, it is often very difficult for an umpire to determine if the ball left the field in flight or bounced over a fence, or left the field in fair or foul territory. The all eyes concept will often be of great help in getting this tough play correct".
We CA umpires are not the only ones using this mechanic and we did not invent it.
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...and I respect that. It is not that big of a deal if "all eyes" is on the "big" fly ball is hit down the line with bases loaded, and no eyes is on the runners who are preparing to tag who needs a couple of runs to win the game.
"I am sure no one is looking at the base runners anyway, they are all watching the "big" fly ball to see if it goes over the fence. Just how can you as a PU be able to rule 300+feet away over your partner who has ran 1/2 way out in the OF? Is his "eyes" not going to pick that up?
I agree with the down the line mechanic as a PU, but "all eyes" is a tough one. I don't mean to sound like I want to argue. I am sure the folks in CA has thought this through and feel it's the way to go. Which other states are using this mechanic?