I agree with socal on this one.

PU didn't seem to have a preferred head height. At times it seemed as though he was peeking around F2 to get a look. One of the most obvious to me was the indicator and mask in the right hand.

As for the sniping, I watch these guys for selfish reasons... to learn. That is to say, when I see their mistakes, I note that it doesn't look good and I don't want to be giulty of the same infraction.

Case in point, this same PU pointed at the batter on every swinging strike. It doesn't effect the game but just looks bad. I know that I'm guilty of the same thing at times, but seeing it will certainly help me break this bad habit.

Different crews are using different rotations. Some are having U2 go out on flyballs in the V (which I like). U3 is then covering 2b. Some crews have PU come up the line and cover 3b and have U1 rotate home. Other crews are having LFU come in to cover 3b. Other crews are just having LFU and RFU cover all flyballs and keeping the infield umps at their bases.

I have never heard of this mechanic before. :confused: Is this something that is a directive from various LL Regional offices?

It's a standard 6-man rotation -- actually, the only six-man rotation if you use ULF.

U2 goes out, U3 covers second, ULF covers third.

WOW... even on a big field? That seems like a lot of running for ULF. I'll take your word for it Rich... actually I'm going to grab a manual right quick...





(dead space to represent my digging out the CCA book)













Oh... hmmm.... learn something new every day! Thanks Rich. ;)

Actually, ULF doesn't work too much deeper than U3 in 6-man. Certainly in far enough to cover third if U2 goes out and U3 covers second.

The other rotation I've seen used is ignoring the line umpires and having U2 go out, U3 cover second, PU cover third, and U1 cover the plate (just like 4 man). While this boxes in every fly ball where U2 goes out, it seems like too much unnecessary rotation with 6 umpires.

Garth,

It is. LL uses 6 so they can get as many umpires the "Regional/World Series experience".

I think it's ESPN that wants this.

BTW, the only time I saw a base whisked was when the breakaway top popped off and, following the manufacturers instructions, the base plate was cleaned before the top is snapped back on.

Rich,

The 6 umpire deal at regionals started way before ESPN.

I can understand a brush with the new style break away bases. No other way to clean it out except a hose.

I can just see the backpack water pack on Lance now ...

Our best field has magnetic breakaways and the bottom is held in place with a traditional peg. No need for a brush.

Besides, the umpires should be calling for a groundskeeper when the bases come out.

Rich,

Not all leagues are smart enough to use the magnetic style (IMO the best choice of all). Many are using the old type break-away bases that have a large square hollow receptacle on the peg & male end on the actual base. When these fill with dirt it's a pain clean out. Of course these are the fields that have no staffing and usually nothing more than a rake & drag. It's use a brush or stop playing.

Now using the brush on the base is a whole different animal.

Oh waiter....could you bring me a Perrier while the grounds crew is cleaning the base?

I walk away from it....I'm serious. Let a coach or player fix it if there's no grounds crew.

Why? Fix it and get the game moving again.

Because I'm an umpire, not a groundskeeper. I thought I had already covered this.