When to signal, or not to...

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

You don't need to keep your chest to the ball for every play, do you? I'm not being a smarta$$, that's a legitimate question.

I say No, you don't...

For example, on a base hit to the outfield, BU always turns his back to the ball. What's the difference?

Because on the base hit to the outfield, the BU is picking the ball up before it's thrown back in. If you're busting to second and F3 throws, are you able to follow the throw?

I've always thought that letting the PU cover second made sense because it's a leisurely stroll to second from an umpire already inside the diamond and at the 45-foot line.

Of course, many umpires don't bother coming up strong on grounders to the infield and it would be far more difficult for those guys to cover. Not saying any of those guys are on here, just making an observation of umpires I see where I live...