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Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser
It makes more sense to say something like, "Excuse me Mr. Batter-Runner, I'm going to try to cut in front of you [as the BU] in order to take you to second base. But you'll react quickly to the bad throw and I'll have to wait for you and trail you. I may get there and set for a play at second."
It makes sense to me. It doesn't make sense to you. So what?
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Uh huh. The plate umpire will be trailing said B-R, and there's nothing that looks better than an umpire running after a baserunner and making a call from behind.
I don't know when they changed this mechanic--I went to umpire school in 1989 and it wasn't even remotely suggested then--but it sure makes sense that they did.
I also must say that in 29 years of umpiring, which, of course, doesn't make me perfect, I have never, ever seen this or worked with anyone who did this.