Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
I agree with Garth.
Don't use this experience as something that validates your choice in going for help. Rather, evaluate your mechanics that put you in that place.
I'm in C. Ground ball to F6. As the ball is hit, I'm stepping up and letting the ball turn me, cross-stepping towards the working area behind the mound. Once I determine the ball is going to first base, I take a few quick steps towards the start of the 45' lane and come set in time for the ball to arrive.
It takes a lot of practice and a lot of hustle to work the bases correctly.
Too many times I've had partners come to me for help on plays like this (where they start in C). When they ask, they are still standing near the C position. Those umpires don't need to know whether asking for help is OK, they need to know if moving after the ball is hit is OK :-)
Rich
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Sorry, Rich, but in big boy ball you can't overcommit to 1B too soon. The first play in the infield belongs to BU unless at home. R2 may be too far off 2B drawing a throw there, or possibly even advancing to 3B. You don't always know where F6 will go with his play, but it's usually BU's call.
Big boys throw harder and provide little time for covering distance or adjusting angles after showing their commitment of the throw. If that throw to 1B is off-line it may cause F3 to reach directly toward BU. There is no way YOU or anyone can predict that or adjust for it within a second or two.
The 2-man system is inherently weak with BU starting in C position. It's the system, not the person; yet some people can react better within the system no differently then some have better zones than others. Still, there is no fail-safe on this play. It can happen to anyone.
Don't let anyone make you believe you are a weak umpire or have poor mechanics because you may occasionally get straight-lined by F3 reaching on a play at 1B. It happens to everyone, whether it's admitted or not.
Just my opinion,
Freix