Whoa was I out of position...

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I'll say it one more time: I've never, ever once, seen a base umpire start running on a steal before the ball was caught by the catcher.

I said I learned pro school mechanics from pro school graduates, some of which were minor league umpires. I worked with an umpire, who was home on vacation from his Texas League assignment. He is a very well known umpire here. He even wore his TL uniform and hat for the game. He had the bases. He had a steal of 3rd, and he did not leave C until the catcher caught the baseball.

The time frame you all are talking about is so miniscule to start with. You can't seriously think by leaving with the runner that you are getting that much of a bigger jump.

Now, you think they dumb down the mechanics for us? These were pro school grads, teaching 1986 or earlier pro school mechanics. Nobody ever once said to leave C position at the same time the runner does. The umpire isn't stealing the base, so why should he try to beat the runner. I can still get over for my angle before he gets anywhere close to 3rd.

You apparently misread my post. I didn't say I thought they dumbed down the mechanics, I asked if they did. And I asked only because I take you at your word as to their experience and I was curious why a pro wouldn't teach the way he was taught. That's all.

On to a basketball game.