Umpiring in the 1940s

[greymule]

I just got a DVD of the World Series of 1943, 1944, and 1946, the Cardinals versus the Yankees, Browns, and Red Sox respectively.

The old films are enjoyable, but the umpires in particular are interesting to watch. The 1B umpires seemed to call most plays from foul territory between the coach's box and the bag and very close to the base. Sometimes the 1B ump stood maybe not quite as close to the bag but in fair territory in a direct line with the mound. On one stop-action, the umpire's arms are already fully extended in the "safe" sign with the runner's foot just barely having reached the bag and the ball a white blur not a foot from the glove. At all the bases, the calls seemed to be made simultaneous with the play. No wait at all.

I noticed that one PU was still dropping (to one knee) as the pitch was on the way. On one strikeout, the PU made a vehement call that turned him toward the 3B dugout. He must have thought the play was over, as he continued in that direction without looking back at the field to see the catcher drop the ball and then chase the runner up the 1B line for a few steps before tagging him.

And I think the first batter of the 1946 Series had a foot completely out of the box when he hit the ball. If anyone can tell me how to attach a picture, I'll post the vidcap. (I know people have done it.)

I also noticed that the Yankees occupied the 3B dugout for the 1943 games in Yankee Stadium.