Quote:
Originally posted by Gulf Coast Blue
BUT, he made the comment that at our State (Tx) school this year, that they taught at no time in 2-man mechanics was the BU to make a call at home...........(this was after I jokingly commented that since he had to cover the BU's play at third........the least she could have done was to cover his back at the plate).....
I did not attend the State School this year because I had attended the National 2 day the year before........
Can any of the numerous Tx umpires verify this teaching..........or did my Vet misunderstand it??
I have always been taught that there are times (although few) that it was acceptable for the PU to cover third and the BU to slip in and cover home in the 2 man system........
Have we been teaching it wrong.........??
Joel
[Edited by Gulf Coast Blue on Apr 2nd, 2002 at 05:58 AM]
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"at no time" is an awfully strong condition. ASA mechanics allow umpires to deviate from them when necessary and in some cases this may include the BU backing up his/her partner by covering the plate.
I've seen BU get trapped on a play at 1B and have a hustling PU pick-up the runner going to 2B, and possibly 3B.
I've also seen PU get caught on a muffed play at 3B and not be able to get back to the plate area without crossing the runner's path or getting in the way of the throw.
I believe it is preferable to have the BU cover the plate than worry about what the Umpire's Manual states.