Should base umpire ever be in Position B?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by tibear

I've been an umpire for many years now and mostly working in two man systems. Baseball Canada, where I live, and most other umpire associations require base umpires to position themselves in Position B, between first and second base with a runner only on first base.

Most seasoned umpires will agree that angle is better than distance and if so I contend that Position C, between second and third base provides much better angles then Position B.

From position C there are no sliding runners to look through on pickoffs at first or steals at second. You have a full view of second base on steals and the angle to first is far superior from C than B.

What do the rest of you think? Is angle really better than distance or do you agree that base umpires should remain in Position B to be closer to the action?

If you are truly in B I don't see why a step would not give you a good look at the pick at 1B. If your are nimble a drift back with the throw to 2B puts you in deep B with a good look at the most prevelant swipe tag at 2B and also good look at the front of the bag if it's a tag to the bag.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by umpjim

If you are truly in B I don't see why a step would not give you a good look at the pick at 1B. If your are nimble a drift back with the throw to 2B puts you in deep B with a good look at the most prevelant swipe tag at 2B and also good look at the front of the bag if it's a tag to the bag.

And the step should be FORWARD, not towards first base.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by Rich

And the step should be FORWARD, not towards first base.

This.

It took me awhile to figure this out... and even after I figured it out, it took me a few games to actually DO it... and even after I started doing it, it's still not completely automatic for me yet.

I've actually been setting up in B with my left foot behind my right, so that it's more natural to step forward first when the pickoff throw happens.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Rich

And the step should be FORWARD, not towards first base.

I thought that was a given but it's always good to reinforce it.

[thumpferee]

A lil trick I learned back in the day by a vet.

I take 1 big step with my right foot toward the pitcher as I see the throw. I then take one step with my left toward 1st as I process, then make the call. I then take 5 short steps backward to make it look like I took 5 steps forward

[CT1]

Originally Posted by thumpferee

A lil trick I learned back in the day by a vet.

I take 1 big step with my right foot toward the pitcher as I see the throw. I then take one step with my left toward 1st as I process, then make the call. I then take 5 short steps backward to make it look like I took 5 steps forward

Is there a name for this dance?

[tibear]

Most people agree that the only advantage that the B position gives you over C with the pick off at first is that the distance is shorter. I'm assuming that all of the movements that people are talking about could be used in C to give you the exact same angle that you would have at first.

Can I move the question now to the steal of second. Where do people think they have the better angle to make the call at second? Position B or C?

[scrounge]

Originally Posted by tibear

Most people agree that the only advantage that the B position gives you over C with the pick off at first is that the distance is shorter. I'm assuming that all of the movements that people are talking about could be used in C to give you the exact same angle that you would have at first.

Can I move the question now to the steal of second. Where do people think they have the better angle to make the call at second? Position B or C?

Basic geometry - a step forward in B (let's say 2-3 feet) is more impactful and creates more of a useful angle than that same sized step in C, 30% or so greater straight line distance. So I disagree that the "only" advantage of B is shorter distance - though that's real too, not only but also because of the perception from others.

As to steals, occasionally C may be better but I think it has a considerably higher probability of being worse. If the SS takes the play, you may just be looking at his backside. If the 2B takes it, you still might get screened. From B, the angle should be open unless the runner slides inside or something. Even then, a read step inwards once you're satisfied the throw isn't hitting you should open that up for most plays. Play the odds.