I'm in my first year and I've noticed the books (particularly Fed) suggest that the proper C postion is to be on a line from the plate through the side of the rubber. But I find that puts me to the shortstop's left and gives me a very bad angle on foot-base-glove on steals of third.

I don't have any problem hustling (I've done soccer for nearly twenty years so I running to position is no problem.)
Where do the experienced umpires position themselves in games where the runner at second intends to be a runner at third frequenty, whether on steals or advances on passed balls in those short backstop fields?

Thanks!

Well, when I am in "C", I always try to read the third base coach's signals. After a few innings I usually am able to pick up on them.

So the coach gives R2 the "steal" sign, I quickly call time, and hustle over to the "D" position. This will give you a great look at the plays at third base.

i like to be were it said in the fediration have a foot on the line with home plate and be sort of at an angle to the pitcher so that you can see the pick off at second but as far as a steel at third you can ether hear the runner moving or them saying "hes going" i will then run about 5 or 6 feet to my right and i am then in position.

My Fed Umpire Manual does not say that, nor do any of the other manuals I have say that. Position C is "approximately halfway between the pitcher's mound and second base, on the third-base side of the infield, more less on a line extended from the plate through the edge of the the mound, with the feet positioned parallel to the pitcher's plate.." There is a big difference between standing on a line from the plate through the side of the rubber and the a line from the plate through the side of the mound. In the correct C position you should be just left of the SS and just right of a runner leading off. Sometimes the runner behind you will ask for a step and he is generally asking for you to move one step to the right. On steals of third you should not step toward 3B, but toward the 3B line so you will be at 45 degree angle to 3B and have a real good look. You may hear the runner moving behind you but I don't recommend doing anything until the pitch reaches the catcher, because 1) you may be asked for a check swing appeal, and 2) you may distract the batter.

[Edited by DG on Jun 19th, 2005 at 09:06 PM]

So, DG, you're basically moving to a position in toward home, then getting a big 45 degree angle to third? That makes sense.

As to the runner on second asking "Blue, can you move a step" - to keep from blocking the SS is there any problem making that move in toward the mound rather than to your right?

Nvm i had my positions mixed up.

If he is asking for a step it's because he is trying to get a big lead and can't see the plate where you are. Stepping towards the plate does not help. He would not be taking a lead large enough where one step would block the SS if SS is playing normal. If SS is hugging the bag, he may ask for a step (back to where you were). If runner asks for step right and SS asks for a step left then I go with the SS and the runner needs to adjust. 99% of the time adjusting one step to the right for a runner does not bother SS.

yeah i am usualy to the right of the pitcher cause it is hard to call balks when you are directly behind him

Positioning for BU is for calling plays on the bases, not to get in position to call balks. One, you don't see that many balks to call, and two, your partner will call balks also, but you have the call on a steal of 3B.

WOW!
 

LDUB you nailed it . . .

I am amazed at intenet umpire posts!

This thread ties for the dumbest thread on the internet.

Tee,

I'm curious. What thread is it tied with?

Mike

Re: WOW!
 

I still can't believe that nobody has jumped on the part where a poster said he doesn't start for third until the ball reaches the plate. Good luck making a call if you do that.

As soon as the BU knows R2 is breaking, the BU has to start for the 45 foot mark between home and third if he ever wants to get a good angle on the play.

Tim C and the rest. Thank you for enlightening me with your superiority. Excuse me for having a question that would improve my skills and enable me to provide a better game for the players.

p.s. - I hope you see plays better than you read because I NEVER said I don't break to 3B until the ball reaches the plate.

Rick-

Rich didn't say you said it, he said "a" poster had said it. I believe it was in DG's post about midway through the thread.

-Josh

Well, the easiest thing to do is move to B. Then you don't have to worry about the angle, and you're a lot closer to first.

Thanks
David