plate ump covering 3rd

[TussAgee11]

Thanks Tim, much appreciated read. Certainly all makes sense, except one thing. I know this stuff has been studied, so I'm not challenging that. We all agree angle over distance. So wouldn't a tough tag play at third be easily called by the PU standing at the plate for a swipe tag/runner's lane/pulled foot at 1st for that play, then take 3 or 4 steps towards third for that play? Seems like the BU is really locked out of that play at third, depending on where the grounder is hit of course. Certainly a groundball to F5 would be the toughest for the BU, as he has to stay behind the pitcher's mound, and can't get a good angle on the potential play at third.

Thanks again for the info, I guess I'm just wondering if this has been thought about in the light I bring it up. I'm sure it has, just wondering where my thinking is wrong here.


I am curious what NFHS says about this.