plate ump covering 3rd

[Rich]

Originally Posted by PWL

That would be FED. Try to keep up.

I throw that piece of junk in the trash second it arrives. My partners work CCA or PRO mechanics. Why would a plate umpire come up to help with a single runner?

[David B]

Originally Posted by PWL

Rich,

I work with so many different people, they all seem to do something a little different. I could ask three different umpires the same question and get three different answers.

I agree, that manual isn't really worth much. Maybe to prop up an uneven table leg instead of using sugar packets.

We don't discuss mechanics at meetings, if ever. I am scheduled to work with our association president Friday. I'll get his feedback and go from there. I know they want us to take the second play in the infield at 3B. I'm just not sure about PU covering home on an overthrow at 3B. I know of the mechanic JustMe is talking about. I didn't know if it is was only CCA or pro.

They still want PU to take runner into 3B on triple with no one on. Why, I couldn't tell you. I wish they would have some sort of hand out explaining exactly what mechanics the association uses. We have too many people winging it.

I've been in groups that have done it both ways. I personally like for PU to take the runner to third. It gives two men for a possible run down etc.,

And its easy for BU to go home on an overthrow.

But it also works well with BU taking the runner to 3rd.

Not a big deal unless you have a partner who is out of shape. (g)

Thanks
David

[smac1231]

Hello all,

New to the site, but not to the game. First post ...

I work HS and am a rookie JUCO umpire. Great discussion about UIC covering 3B on this thread.

My 2-cents-worth on the subject ...

If we get into a habit of having a good pregame with our partner(s), this can easily be discussed and agreed upon before we step foot on the field: "Okay, with a runner on first, I'll get up the line and take him at third if the hit leaves the infield ... otherwise, you've got both plays." This leaves UIC in position to help with a pulled foot, swipe tag, overthrow, etc ...

Understood, different associations may have a set way to handle this situation, but I think a good pregame can cover a lot of the gray areas ... and this is one of them that needs to be covered with partner(s).

I agree that 2-man (and even 3-man in some rotations) puts us in a compromising position, but with some hustle and knowledge of shortcuts, we can make the call at 1B and then take a few steps to get into position to make an educated guess on the play at 3B.

Mac

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by David B

And its easy for BU to go home on an overthrow.

David: I was taught that PU has the plate after an overthrow at 3B. PU returns to the plate in fair territory (ball is in foul territory) and makes the call at HP. This mechanic leaves BU where he is in case of a play at 2B.

I believe this is the standard PBUC mechanic.