A mechanics question

[Carbide Keyman]

MLB game the other night, R1 going to third on a base hit to RF.

3BU (Guccione?) is positioned between the bag and coaches' box, direct in line with the throw and runner coming in.

This would seem to be the least advantageous spot to make this call.

Am I wrong ? It just seemed odd to me.

[tcarilli]

Putting the base between you and the ball is like starting at the point of the plate for plays at home. This position allows you to adjust to the play as it happens, giving yourself the best angle to see the play. Another benefit is when the the throw is going home with, say, R2 rounding third, if the throw gets cut and thrown to third you don't have to take the throw over your shoulder. In fact, this position is probably the most advantageous position to be in. If you have the opportunity in a 3-man or 4-man game try it sometime. It works well everywhere. Adjust your position so that the base is between you and the ball; from there adjust to the play. Everything stays in front of you; it really gives you quite the look.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by tcarilli

Putting the base between you and the ball is like starting at the point of the plate for plays at home. This position allows you to adjust to the play as it happens, giving yourself the best angle to see the play. Another benefit is when the the throw is going home with, say, R2 rounding third, if the throw gets cut and thrown to third you don't have to take the throw over your shoulder. In fact, this position is probably the most advantageous position to be in. If you have the opportunity in a 3-man or 4-man game try it sometime. It works well everywhere. Adjust your position so that the base is between you and the ball; from there adjust to the play. Everything stays in front of you; it really gives you quite the look.

Everyone always wants to "get inside," but outside is really the best place to take a lot of calls. The same is true for U2 on a play at second in a 4-man crew -- outside is a great view on the play.

[Carbide Keyman]

Originally Posted by tcarilli

Putting the base between you and the ball is like starting at the point of the plate for plays at home. This position allows you to adjust to the play as it happens, giving yourself the best angle to see the play. Another benefit is when the the throw is going home with, say, R2 rounding third, if the throw gets cut and thrown to third you don't have to take the throw over your shoulder. In fact, this position is probably the most advantageous position to be in. If you have the opportunity in a 3-man or 4-man game try it sometime. It works well everywhere. Adjust your position so that the base is between you and the ball; from there adjust to the play. Everything stays in front of you; it really gives you quite the look.

There was no "adjustment" made by the umpire on this play.

He stayed in foul territory between the base and the coaches box in a straight line with the play.

I do not disagree that working from the outside is indeed an effective method
of positioning to make a call.

My "concern" was the 3BU staying effectively straight-lined to make this call, also putting himself in direct line of the throw.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Carbide Keyman

There was no "adjustment" made by the umpire on this play.

He stayed in foul territory between the base and the coaches box in a straight line with the play.

I do not disagree that working from the outside is indeed an effective method
of positioning to make a call.

My "concern" was the 3BU staying effectively straight-lined to make this call, also putting himself in direct line of the throw.

How is this different from taking a play at home on 3BLE?

[Carbide Keyman]

Originally Posted by GarthB

How is this different from taking a play at home on 3BLE?

You are correct, there is no difference.

Also, Happy Birthday, Garth ! And many, many more.