Infield playing in.

[Jay R]

When in Position B or C, do any of you go behind the infielders when they are playing in to prevent a runner on third from scoring. One of our supervisors does not want us to go behind, yet I see MLB umpires doing it.

Comments?

Jay

[DG]

Fed mechanics would dictate that I be in C with runner on 3B. In other games I might be in B if runner on 1B also, and not holding the runner on 3B. In C, and infielders playing in, I would move to a position even with SS, but not behind. In B, I would move to a position even with 2B, but not behind. If I were behind 2B or SS, a low line drive to 2B or SS would be tough to call (ie did it bounce), and I have the V in this situation. That may be why your supervisor does not want to go behind.

I don't know why MLB umpires in B or C would move behind the 2B or SS in this situtation but I suspect it is becaue they have help on the 2B/SS trap, ie 1B or 3B umpire in a 4 man crew. In a 2 man crew there is no help, you have the V.