Positioning and Getting Help

[Sal Giaco]

Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Is anyone going to EVEN MENTION that the OP should've been moving towards the working area when the ball was hit?
Get to the working area, let the ball turn you, and prepare for anything.

Rich,
I understand your point - we should always strive to build the best angles and get in the proper position to make our OWN calls. I would say that if we do this correctly, the base umpire should be able to get 99% of the calls on his own. However, there are rare instances, especially in a two man system, where it is difficult to be in the ideal position to see everything - that's what we call the limitations of working with only two umpires.

With that said, the play Kaiilx describes can happen to anyone, especially when we anticipate certain plays but something different occurs. The point of this discussion is what do you do when you think you made the right call but the whole stadium "caves" in. No one says the BU has to go for help but as we discussed, if you can get help WITHOUT comprimising your (or your partners)integrity for the sake of getting the call right, MLB and NCAA now say to get help.

Ofcourse, as you mentioned, getting assistance from your partner should not be used as a crutch for lack of hustle and poor positioning on the bases.