[AtlUmpSteve]

Just wondering, at the risk of offending someone with an apparent personal agenda ....

Has anyone ever seen a routine can of corn drop? Sun, wind, nonchalant outfielder, any reason at all?

If so, on the stated play, who notes if BR touched first, is obstructed rounding that bag, possibly advancing to 2nd, or perhaps subject to a throwback to first? I suppose that all could be done in catch-up mode while standing and watching from the outside behind F6. But my preference (and assumably of those that write umpire manuals) is for the BU to be proactive, come inside where he can adequately see the tag at 2nd, and easily pick up the only next play that might happen.

The best clinician ever (EA) noted her philosophies in the early NCAA manuals, as well as her longstanding website. She notes that umpiring is a series of compromises, and that the two umpire system requires more compromises. She also puts a premium on deciding the best position for any play by considering what possible NEXT play may be necessary, not just the current play.

The basic mechanics stated cover every possible situation on this play, as effectively as possible. BU gets the tag, play back to 2nd, and responsible for BR/trail if the ball drops. PU has lead/lone runner into 3rd, then to home if necessary.

Go ahead and hate on the mechanics; when you are still standing behind F6, your NCAA evaluator will be writing it up, too.