[luvthegame]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The umpire is there before the pitch.

So is the runner



There is no comparison.

As an umpire, I will not work in the hole. I will do everything I can to be a step behind and just off a shoulder. Once the fielder takes that first step, I've pivoted out of their way. I have found when two people are moving and trying to avoid each other, half the time it almost becomes impossible to avoid each other. I believe this is one of the reasons retired runners are NOT required to abandon their base path.

A runner is a participant and, as a fielder, you know their presence cannot keep you from making a play. The umpire though, well, I don't believe any fielder will, no should they, accept the need to navigate around an umpire to make a play on a batted ball.

Who is making the fielder navigate? Those that can move....won't interfere.
See it all the time!


AFAIC, it is their game on their field. IMO, the umpire should adjust to them and if that means not getting your preferred position, you do the best you can from the position you can get.

Doesn't matter in this case who's game it suposedly is...both have jobs to do (and generally I know who is gonna get fired if they screw up). The good ones can git er done!!