Quote:
Originally Posted by MD Longhorn
Depending on the speed of the hit to right, and realizing that there are always two places that are 90 degrees - would reverse-working the rim work on this play? IOW, following the grass-dirt border from "C" to about "B", watching F9 and BR until the throw gets past you - this leaves you in about the same position you normally are on a single runner at first, the ball near catcher, with a possibility of the runner going to second. A good 90 to either base depending on where the runner goes (and the throw). You are still in position if F9's throw goes to 1st and there's a play there.
|
The key is the speed of the hit; and the speed in your legs. For many/most umpires I know, if there is enough time to reverse-rim and get to a 90 to 1st, it is highly unlikely there is going to be a throw home first, the outfielder in NCAA is throwing that to 2nd, if not behind the runner at 1st. At some point, you no longer have all the elements (1) BR touching 1st, 2) outfielder throw, 3) B3 reading and reacting to throw) in front of you, and/or you are possibly cutting across the throwing lane to 2nd.
As Big Slick noted, read-process-react. The shortest distance to the desired location with ability to cover both possible plays is a straight line, taking you inside (at least initially).