Should base umpire ever be in Position B?

[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?

[scrounge]

How on earth is the angle to first better in C than B? It's essentially the same line, just farther away. Unless your definition of C is different than mine.

You may be better off on steals a bit in C than B. Unless the shortstop makes the play. Then you'll have a great view of the shortstop's butt, but maybe not the play. Sometimes it will be better, sometimes not, but combined with positioning for pickoffs, B is the better choice.

[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?