What would you do?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by PWL

This is what is what my association has us to do. It doesn't matter the number of outs. Anytime we have a runner at second or beyond we work from the C position. Apparently over the years some have changed. I've always worked like this and will continue to do so until I am told to do different. Maybe in this position our fellow ump wouldn't have been so quick to turn and not follow where the ball went. Those kids are fast and you have to be ready for anything.

Proper footwork is also essential to being in position on any play. Happy feet are a bad thing. You have to use good long quick strides. Learn how to turn with the ball, move to get a good angle, and get set to make your call.

The mechanics that we use in our area is to have the BU in the B position with runners on 1st and 3rd. That is also what the NCAA mechanics say as well.

Peace

[pdxblue]

Originally Posted by GarthB

1. You need to see the out to call it. If you didn't see it, the call is "safe."

2. Leave your partner out of this. Unless he broke to one side or another, he was straightlined and would be guessing at best. This is not a play on which to get "help." It's your call. If you screwed up, take the heat.

I agree with this 200%!!! This is NOT a time to get help, unless there was some kind of out of the ordinary something or another that happened that kept you from seeing it well. But, it was just your screw up. Take the heat. In this case, you might be forgiven if you tell the truth to the coach that is hurt by your momentary lack of focus! We have all been there at one point of another.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by CoachJM

PWL,

I'm just a dumb coach so some of the umpire mechanics and positioning stuff is a little confusing to me. Could you please explain why it would make sense for the BU to be in C with an R1 & R3 and no outs?

Thanks.

JM

JM,

We have had this debate on several occasions. R1 and R3 was traditionally taught by the pro schools as being in C back in the day (at least in 1986 when it was taught to me). Somewhere along the way, umpires started popularizing the B position with runners at the corners. Now B is the accepted mechanic, but some old school guys, myself included, find that starting in C gives superior angles for certain situations with R1 and R3. Admittedly, you trade some distance on the pickoff at 1st base. This however, poses no problem, as it is only a little farther away and clearly visible.

There are B umpires and there are C umpires, and no amount of debate seems to convince one camp or the other that they are wrong. My former association (where I was taught C from the pro manuals) has it as personal preference and totally optional.

[RPatrino]

I agree with Steve. I personally like the C position when working a 3 or 4 man with a runner on first, particularly with a steal attempt at 2nd. Maybe it is because we have the runner at first completely in our field of vision?

Bob P.

[UmpJM]

SD Steve, Bob P. & PWL,

Thanks for the explanation. I asked because in the games I coach (and the limited reading I've done on the subject) I never see the BU in C unless there is an R2 (speaking strictly in terms of 2 man crews, not 3 or 4).

At the level I coach, when it's R1 and R3 (only), the R1 attempting to steal 2B is almost inevitable, so what you say makes sense to me in terms of the best position for the most likely play.

Thanks.

JM

[griff901c]

R1 and R3 with less than 2 outs....C
With 2 outs...B or C. I use B...
Old school and works really well.
griff

[SanDiegoSteve]

I before E except after C, no.....wait.....sorry, wrong board. I was looking for the English Grammar Rules forum!

[Bainer]

1. You have to call him safe if you didn't see it.
and
2. If I'm your partner and this happens and you come ANYWHERE near me for input...lookout! You have to eat this one on your own. Involving your partner is just going to make things worse. Call it, and eat it.


Bainer.