Quote:
Originally Posted by shagpal
$400 to learn how to button hook just to watch a runner touch?
What advantage does button hooking provide when there is no play at the base? Stay outside and outa the way to watch the base touched.
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If executed properly, no more or no less an advantage than staying outside....either one works just fine.
But it's the mechanic & coverage that ASA uses in their three-umpire system to cover the five situations (runner(s) on/base hit to OF) and their mechanic requires 3B to button hook inside the diamond.
The OP is about the poster going to an ASA Nat, working on his 3-man in preparation, and realizing that his execution on that particular coverage is not where he feels needs it to be and wants to improve on it. He obviously understands the importance placed on; and the expectation of proper mechanics by his tournament UIC and crew mates at the Nat.
Now the bolded part..
"button hook just to watch a runner touch."
Depending how the play develops in any of the five runner configurations that has 3B button hooking inside the diamond, he will always have other responsibilities. "There's always a job to do", no matter which sanctioning body's mechanics are being used. That's just good umpiring.