Watching runners away from the ball.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

[I]

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.

Pete Booth

Pete,

That may be FED mechanics (We won't get into THAT discussion). The proper mechanic here would be U2 has all plays into/back to 2B, including interference/obstruction.

PU is following BR to 1B, just as if there are no runners. PU has all plays at HP as well.

U3 is drifting into foul territory by 3B in case a play goes that direction. He can assist on int/obs at 2B, though he would not have a very good angle.

So in this case, yes U2 messed up. Proper pre-game and training would fix that.