Watching runners away from the ball.

[PeteBooth]

Originally Posted by Snorg

This happened a few years ago. 16-18 yr old regional tournament, OBR, four-man crew (I'm at 2nd). Runner at 1st base off with the pitch, batter grounds to F6. I position myself for a play at 2B. F6 looks at 2B, then thinks better of it and throws to first. I (perhaps because I was used to doing two-man all season) turn to watch the play at 1B. After the play coach calls time, comes to me, and says that his runner was obstructed by F6 after rounding 2B. I admitted to him that I didn't see it. Coach didn't make too a big stink, and that was that......
I know you don't discuss four-man all that often, but what should I have done there? Watch the runner into and around 2B, while I have my back to the ball and a play at first base? When do I turn to find the ball again?

Also, had this been a two-man crew, I have to follow the ball to 1B, so is the PU watching that runner around second?

Originally Posted by Snorg

Just curious, thanks....

Working 3 / 4 person system can in some ways be a detriment if you are not used to it. Most of the ball we call utilizes the 2 person mechanics and I agree some things become "second nature" because that's the way we do it most of the year.

In a 2 person system, it is the PU's job to watch for any interference (especially in FED where there is the FPSR) on the part of R1 and also any OBS on the part of either F4/F6 because as soon as F4/F6 releases the ball, the BU is getting ready for a possible "banger" at first and is not watching the runner as that is the PU's job.

In a 4 person crew, you should not follow the ball to first because there is another umpire there to make that call, however, you are so used to making that call yourself that it happens. That's why IMO, it is even more important to have a solid Pre-Game utilizing the3/4 person system then in a 2 person system. The PU as a pre-cautionary should be ready to call the OBS if he sees that you are not watching the play.

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