Whoa was I out of position...

[Carbide Keyman]

Originally Posted by TCump84

I would like to say, for the Benefit of the board, I attended umpire school this year, and also was sent to PBUC. We were taught to move towards third when the runner takes off by checking over our right shoulder, gain the most distance and best angle possible, and then if the ball is put in play react accordingly to the batted ball. Hope this helps.

Thank you, TC

[bobbybanaduck]

tc, which school did you go to and what league were you in this year? adding to his school and pbuc post, the evaluator's will mark a guy down for not moving before the ball reaches the catcher. that point should clear up the "begin his reaction / moving to position" argument.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I guess I'll change then. Hope I can get that check swing call right while moving.

[Tim C]

Please don't try to make this brain surgery.

There is actually no problem is seeing these type things.

You have been clear in previous posts that you believe an umpire from "C" can make the checked swing call. . . there is nothing different here.

I BET you already moved . . . and just didn't "feel" it.

Tee

[SanDiegoSteve]

In the original post, TussAgee11 said entitled this thread, "Whoa was I out of position." I think there is a distinction between perhaps moving a bit toward the play, and actually taking off with the runner. I have taken a false step or two toward 3rd, but able to recover for a snap throw to another base because I did not overcommit to 3rd, which is the natural tendency.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I have no problem with the PBUC mechanic, but let me say this. I believe using a times-rate-speed calculation shows that a 70 mph pitch reaches the batter in .584 seconds. Just how much of a jump will that get you if you move as soon as the ball is delivered?

Tim.

Tim,

The time of the pitch is NOT when he releases it.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by TCump84

I would like to say, for the Benefit of the board, I attended umpire school this year, and also was sent to PBUC. We were taught to move towards third when the runner takes off by checking over our right shoulder, gain the most distance and best angle possible, and then if the ball is put in play react accordingly to the batted ball. Hope this helps.

To most of us, this isn't a surprise, but thank you for validating the proper mechanic.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I have no problem with the PBUC mechanic, but let me say this. I believe using a times-rate-speed calculation shows that a 70 mph pitch reaches the batter in .584 seconds. Just how much of a jump will that get you if you move as soon as the ball is delivered?

Tim.

About 3 yards including lag time. Note I held my lip (ah fingers) .silent. from further comment.

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

In the original post, TussAgee11 said entitled this thread, "Whoa was I out of position." I think there is a distinction between perhaps moving a bit toward the play, and actually taking off with the runner. I have taken a false step or two toward 3rd, but able to recover for a snap throw to another base because I did not overcommit to 3rd, which is the natural tendency.

Second time you've said it, so I have to ask - what is a "false" step?

[Rich]

If there's an R1 along with the R2, my first two or three steps are FORWARD. Once the throw is made, I either adjust towards third or adjust towards second.

99% of the time the ball goes to third.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

But take off willy-nilly before the ball reaches the catcher? Never.

Who said "take off willy-nilly?"

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I have no problem with the PBUC mechanic, but let me say this. I believe using a times-rate-speed calculation shows that a 70 mph pitch reaches the batter in .584 seconds. Just how much of a jump will that get you if you move as soon as the ball is delivered?

It's important enough that the runner uses it -- and most runners are a hell of a lot faster than I am (understanding that the runner must move farther than the umpire).

I seem to recall that the time between F1 committing and Fx catching the ball from F2 is something like 2 seconds. If that's true, then I don't think I can afford to "give up" the 30% - 50% that happens before F2 catches the ball.

As Tee implied (or at least as I inferred from his post), I think most of us (on both "sides" of the issue) are really saying the same thing. It's wrong to wait until F2 catches the ball. It's also wrong to run willy-nilly toward the position as soon as R2 breaks. Be moving toward the position (and the "moving" can include body motion), but don't commit until there's goiing to be a play.

[umpire99]

Why would you ever be out of position. If you know the game, you should know when a steal is coming. Then you can "cheat" to be int eh correct position at all times.

[SAump]

Does anyone set up in C other than on the line from the edge of the mound to the plate? In other words, does anyone cheat toward 3B because the runner at 2B may have a very large lead, often directly behind the BU?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SAump

Does anyone set up in C other than on the line from the edge of the mound to the plate? In other words, does anyone cheat toward 3B because the runner at 2B may have a very large lead, often directly behind the BU?

There is no one spot for the C position. Game situations come into play when setting up on the grass. I've set up deep, shallow, left a little, right a little....

[left coast]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

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.

I did not realize that the double A umpires got vacation. Also, why did he wear his TL uniform and hat? Sounds like he was trying to big-league you.