Positions B and C

[SanDiegoSteve]

David,

How do you figure to be "just as close" from B on a steal of third? From C, I can tell when the runner is going. I peek over my right shoulder, as I was taught. I'm only going to get 3 or 4 steps at best, on an angle in and toward the line. But I end up about 20 feet from 3rd. From B, you are still only going to get a few steps, and be 50+ feet from the play. That isn't just as close.

I have never heard of the mechanic for 2nd base only in B. I have never seen anyone position themselves in B with 2nd base only.

There were a few umpires back around 1990 in my association who tried to get everybody to use B with runners at 1st and 2nd, and that went over like a lead balloon. That idea was quickly scrapped, and I haven't heard of it since.

[David B]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

David,

How do you figure to be "just as close" from B on a steal of third? From C, I can tell when the runner is going. I peek over my right shoulder, as I was taught. I'm only going to get 3 or 4 steps at best, on an angle in and toward the line. But I end up about 20 feet from 3rd. From B, you are still only going to get a few steps, and be 50+ feet from the play. That isn't just as close.

I have never heard of the mechanic for 2nd base only in B. I have never seen anyone position themselves in B with 2nd base only.

There were a few umpires back around 1990 in my association who tried to get everybody to use B with runners at 1st and 2nd, and that went over like a lead balloon. That idea was quickly scrapped, and I haven't heard of it since.

I dont usually waste my time with such comments, but just thought this was strange.

You are in C, (where you can look over your right shoulder? and see the runner going), yet you can take three steps from there and be 20 ft. from third base??

Not possible!

That again states my point - there are so many umpires who think that I'm in C so I'm close to third!

You are further from third unless you are in Smitty land, in C position but to the right of the F6.

I'm done with this rediculous drivel.

Thanks
David

[ctblu40]

I just thought I'd add my 2 cents-

Personally, I think the NFHS Manual is terrible... there are many inconsistancies (what defines a 'Trouble Ball'), and some of the responsibilities are questionable at best (UIC taking calls at third with no runners on).
Lastly, the diagrams in the NFHS Manuel look like they were drawn in the dirt with a stick, then photoed and printed in the book.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

I just thought I'd add my 2 cents-

Personally, I think the NFHS Manual is terrible... there are many inconsistancies (what defines a 'Trouble Ball'), and some of the responsibilities are questionable at best (UIC taking calls at third with no runners on).
Lastly, the diagrams in the NFHS Manuel look like they were drawn in the dirt with a stick, then photoed and printed in the book.

....and this adds to this thread how?


FED-haters aren't exactly an endangered species around here.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by David B

I dont usually waste my time with such comments, but just thought this was strange.

You are in C, (where you can look over your right shoulder? and see the runner going), yet you can take three steps from there and be 20 ft. from third base??

Not possible!

That again states my point - there are so many umpires who think that I'm in C so I'm close to third!

You are further from third unless you are in Smitty land, in C position but to the right of the F6.

I'm done with this rediculous drivel.

Thanks
David

First off buddy, it's ridiculous, not rediculous.

Second, it's not drivel. If you are in B with a runner at 2nd base only, you are in the wrong position. I don't care how long you've been doing it.

Third, don't talk to me like that. To borrow a line from Sal, this ain't my first rodeo either. Don't go around insulting people, it's not nice.

Fourth, My B and C are both lined up with the edges of the mound, just as I was taught right out of a pro school manual. I don't stay there to make my calls. I do this uncommon thing called hustling!!! So, no, I'm not out there in "Smitty Land," which if you are in B with 2nd only, I would consider you in.

Fifth, from C, I hustle at an angle in and toward the foul line as I've already stated. How do you figure I'm not closer to third? To say otherwise is incorrect. I may be off quite a bit with the 20 feet, okay? I'm terrible at estimating distance. That's why I can't putt worth a damn. Maybe I'm 30 feet from the play, I'm still much closer, with a superior look (angle and distance) at the play than anything you can come up with starting in B. I also probably take more than 3 or 4 steps (I did say that, not "3"), perhaps 5 or 6, I haven't really counted (Im too busy hustling), so that was probably not an accurate assessment on my part.

Sixth, I was taught (by several pro school grads from both Harry's and Joe Brinkman's) to glance over my right shoulder to see if the runner is going. If he starts, by the time the catcher catches the pitch, I can glance over my shoulder and see the runner. Usually I can hear the runner's footsteps behind me. I can also hear fielders say, "he's going!" So there are plenty of ways to know the runner is stealing 3rd without resorting to starting on the 1st base side of the diamond.

Seventh, please tell me in which umpire's manual you can find where they teach the mechanic to work in B with a runner at 2nd base only. I say it doesn't exist. Prove me wrong.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

If you are in B with a runner at 2nd base only, you are in the wrong position.

Personally, I make this call from the stands. I get to rest, chat with MILFs, and finish my hot dog.

My evals stink, but hey, playoffs are a big ole time-eater anyway

[David B]

Originally Posted by LMan

Personally, I make this call from the stands. I get to rest, chat with MILFs, and finish my hot dog.

My evals stink, but hey, playoffs are a big ole time-eater anyway

Now that's funny!

Thanks
David

[David B]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

First off buddy, it's ridiculous, not rediculous.

Second, it's not drivel. If you are in B with a runner at 2nd base only, you are in the wrong position. I don't care how long you've been doing it.

Third, don't talk to me like that. To borrow a line from Sal, this ain't my first rodeo either. Don't go around insulting people, it's not nice.

Fourth, My B and C are both lined up with the edges of the mound, just as I was taught right out of a pro school manual. I don't stay there to make my calls. I do this uncommon thing called hustling!!! So, no, I'm not out there in "Smitty Land," which if you are in B with 2nd only, I would consider you in.

Fifth, from C, I hustle at an angle in and toward the foul line as I've already stated. How do you figure I'm not closer to third? To say otherwise is incorrect. I may be off quite a bit with the 20 feet, okay? I'm terrible at estimating distance. That's why I can't putt worth a damn. Maybe I'm 30 feet from the play, I'm still much closer, with a superior look (angle and distance) at the play than anything you can come up with starting in B. I also probably take more than 3 or 4 steps (I did say that, not "3"), perhaps 5 or 6, I haven't really counted (Im too busy hustling), so that was probably not an accurate assessment on my part.

Sixth, I was taught (by several pro school grads from both Harry's and Joe Brinkman's) to glance over my right shoulder to see if the runner is going. If he starts, by the time the catcher catches the pitch, I can glance over my shoulder and see the runner. Usually I can hear the runner's footsteps behind me. I can also hear fielders say, "he's going!" So there are plenty of ways to know the runner is stealing 3rd without resorting to starting on the 1st base side of the diamond.

Seventh, please tell me in which umpire's manual you can find where they teach the mechanic to work in B with a runner at 2nd base only. I say it doesn't exist. Prove me wrong.

Its always interesting and entertaining to read how umpires throw in things like I was taught by ...... who happened to graduate from a pro school etc., )

When I went to school many moons ago they taught us what was accepted at the time but the bottom line was do what your association does.

I've been teaching to stay in B since 1990 and our group still does. Might be the only one in the country, but it works great and I don;t have to worry about angles etc.,

From B all its takes is a few quick steps and you have the perfect angle for any call at third.

I've read it from Carl that I believe he's advocating staying in B period, and I believe he included such in his Mechanics for the 20th century etc.,

I might be wrong, but I know what works and that's what matters the most. Now when I call with my college guys, they like me to change, but since I get the calls right they leave me alone.

Thanks
David

[SAump]

Yeah, I lost some good money at one of them CLINIQUE places. The clinicians kept insisting that I work the PRO-slot. I kept telling them I hated calling the outside pitch from the PRO-slot. I felt vulnerable to COACHES ridicule. They kept telling me I needed to lower my big fat *** and balance it with my big fat belly by leaning forward to get a better ANGLE. I kept telling them that I couldn't physically do that. It was worse than the scissors. They laughed and my kness are shot from trying. I love the vibrating tickle I feel when I contract and extend both knees now. Never felt it before the SLOT.

I took a shot in the cup and many to the left leg while in the slot. Thank GOD the 70-mph pitches were thrown by 15 year olds who were trying to imitate REAL pitchers. I had a partner who took an 80-mph shot to the cup too. He went down to the ground immediately. I don't think a steel cup would have helped him then. He did not appreciate the COACH who walked up and asked him if he was okay, either. I decided right then and there that I would never stand in the SLOT like a TOUGH GUY. I moved my fat *** and big belly behind the catcher's left shoulder. I stood a little higher and felt my knees praised GOD afterwards. From then on, there was never any thought of moving back to the slot.

I didn't know any better at the time because most PRO-umps do offer well-intentioned advice. But if anyone ever tells a NEWBIE to work the SLOT, I'll have a word or more to say about it. When I first started reading this website, I marveled how my positioning was being discussed all over the web as the GD stance. Well if that is who they want to give credit to after 100 years of baseball, I'm NOT going to disagree with the name. Things change over time and they change for a reason. With respect, who am I to argue? Papa C made the right call here too.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by SAump

I decided right then and there that I would never stand in the SLOT like a TOUGH GUY.

thats your decision. the other posters on this site like to better themselves game after game, season after season. many of us also try and move to higher levels of umpiring. its not a matter of being a "TOUGH GUY," its a matter of doing the job how it is to be done. going against tried and tested mechanics is not something i'd recommend, especially to a newcomer.

however, SAump is a troll and again im falling into his trap. i wouldnt mind if he was deleted.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by SAump

Yeah, I lost some good money at one of them CLINIQUE places.

yep, those cosmetics can get quite expensive.