What your partner was describing to you was what's referred to as "working the V." Here are the responsibilities when working from inside.

Plate Umpire is responsible for fly balls hit from the left fielder to the left field foul line and into foul territory, as well as from the right fielder to the right field foul line and into foul territory. These responsibilities include fair / foul and catch / no catch on both foul lines. The plate umpire has catch / no catch responsibility for all fly balls handled by the pitcher and the catcher, as well as fly balls and line drives which take the 1st and 3rd basemen toward their respective lines.


Base Umpire is responsible for any fly ball hit directly at any outfielder and all balls hit between the left and right fielders. He will have to shoulder-check to pick up the tag-up at 1st base On fly balls and line drives hit to the infield, he will be responsible for catch / no catch on all balls hit directly at the 1st and 3rd basemen and everything between them.


Tim.

I would caution against trying to describe any "standard" 2-man system for the small diamond. Williamsport doesn't promulgate anything official, and different regional schools teach different things, as evidenced by the televised regionals each year.

For teaching Lieutenant LL Dan via the Internet, I would stick to truly standard mechanics on the 90 foot diamond.

He is describing standard 2-man mechanics for Dan's use on the 90 ft. diamond. Dan is talking about the big diamond, and Tim is talking about the big diamond. What's the problem?

The PU should not be teaching you to call fly balls from B and C. You aren't supposed to just stand in positions B and C like a statue. You need to get to the edge of the infield grass to make your calls, but go no further. Line up your tag responsiblities from there also. Get in a position where you can see both the catch and the runner tagging up in your field of vision. You do not necessarily have to line them up perfectly, just be able to see both events at the same time.

One of the statements made in the discussion between Tim and Lieutenant Dan was:

"Big or small diamond has the BU going out on trouble balls to right field from A position."

While the majority of Tim's comments, other than that one, did appear to be referencing the 90' diamond, I'm not at all sure that that's what Lieutenant Dan was always referring to.

Lieutenant Dan...that's just too funny! Perfect!!!

You're right, Dave. I should have clarified that the possibility of the BU going out on a trouble ball on the small diamond is not a universal mechanic for LL. It's the smart thing to do if there are two competent umpires working the game, but it's not a madated mechanic.


Tim.

LLDan ..........................
 

Perhaps, the UIC HAS seen your work behind the plate and was unimpressed.

Perhaps, the UIC has spoken with fellow umpires that have seen your plate work and was given some unfavorable notices.

Perhaps, the UIC was not enamored of your previous plate resume. (Softball?)

Perhaps, after working with you, he sees the need for a multitude of additional training in all areas.

Experience accompanied by TRAINING is what you need to improve. Doing something wrong alot will not make you better.

Just because you do not agree with criticism, or with the source, doesn't make the criticism wrong.

UIC has not seen me do that plate, ever.

I have worked the plate some this season for baseball, as well as softball, not much difference between the too. When i have worked the plate, its been nothing but positive comments from the other umpires.

Ive worked the 60' with him multiple times, and too many time w/ other umpires LOL. Im doin well, and almost have mastered it. Now, of course on the 90', my first game, im going to have to improve. Now, i have another question requarding that, how do you play the B and C positions? He had me closer to the mound then to second base. Do you agree??

It's up to you. If you are a quick, agile guy, then set up closer to the mound. If you are a bit slower, more toward the base. It's a matter of personal preference.

On pickoff plays at 1st from B, you need to get a couple steps and set for the play. Don't just stand in B flatfooted. They (coaches, instructors) want you to get a better angle. If you can't get the footwork right on this, you will want to work closer to the mound from B.

A differing opinion ...................
 

Not nearly, Grasshopper, not nearly.

Perhaps
 

You may try to read the thread a little more closely. Then you would know that your comments were STUPID. JMOHO

Thanks for the input.