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Originally Posted by canadaump6
But seriously, I never said an umpire shouldn't come into the infield. The best way to do it is to cut into the infield, peak over your right shoulder, but don't turn completely towards first base and don't pivot!
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If you are old, fat, and over 50 like me, the safest and surest way is the way you describe here (almost). I still pivot when I have lots of time, like with a slower BR running. With speedy guys, I find myself fortunate to get 6 feet out on the grass before the BR hits the base.
If you are younger and in better shape, go ahead and come in and pivot. That's still the preferred mechanic. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, please.
What are you peeking over your right shoulder for? Certainly not to see the BR touch first, unless you are a contortionist. For the non-pivot move, you run in looking at the ball over your right shoulder until you get on the grass, then peek over your left shoulder at the BR touching first. Then you cut an oblique angle off your left foot and run parallel to the grass line toward 2nd base.
For the pivot, the trick to not "falling on your butt" or "breaking your ankle," or any other excuse not to execute proper mechanics is to
slow down as you come to your pivot, and execute the move while
under control at all times. Don't just wildly run full speed and attempt to do some fancy pirouette. That's how you get hurt. Stop and plant the right foot, take a drop step with the left, pivot smoothly, watch the BR touch or not touch, then eyes back to the ball.
From this point, you are in perfect position to either continue ahead of the runner toward 2nd, or return back on a neat little 45 degree angle toward the edge of the cutout to take the runner back into 1st base.