Whoa was I out of position...

[TussAgee11]

Happened this weekend. AAU 17U game.

Runner on 2nd, takes off with the pitch. I start to move towards 3rd base as the pitch is in the air.

The ball is then hit a little bit behind where I was (kind of towards C). I thought it was hard hit, turned out it was a bit more of a dribbler. I opted to stay to the 3rd base side of the ball, and let F6 make his play.

F6 came in and threw to first, I did my best to take 4 or 5 steps towards 1st but I was still on the other side of the diamond. Of course the "get in position to make that call" chirping came, but whatever.

My question is, should a BU in "C" move before the pitch is caught to get a steal of 3rd? Or is my situation just one of the compromises of the two man?

[BigUmp56]

Of course you shouldn't be moving until the pitch is caught by F2 or struck by the batter.


Tim.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Of course you shouldn't be moving until the pitch is caught by F2 or struck by the batter.


Tim.

You're kidding, right?

I'm off the instant I know R2 is stealing, moving towards the midpoint of the baseline between home and third. How could you possibly get any kind of an angle if you wait for F2 to catch the ball?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

You're kidding, right?

I'm off the instant I know R2 is stealing, moving towards the midpoint of the baseline between home and third. How could you possibly get any kind of an angle if you wait for F2 to catch the ball?

It doesn't make sense to me to committ to moving before I know if the ball is going to be put in play or not.


Tim.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

It doesn't make sense to me to committ to moving before I know if the ball is going to be put in play or not.


Tim.

On this move, one does not take his eye off the ball. He just begins his move to get anqle and distance on the steal. Adjustments can be made for hit, or wild pitch or whatever happens.

I don't believe any reputable clinic, camp or proschool teaches otherwise.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by GarthB

On this move, one does not take his eye off the ball. He just begins his move to get anqle and distance on the steal. Adjustments can be made for hit, or wild pitch or whatever happens.

I don't believe any reputable clinic, camp or proschool teaches otherwise.

This is what I have on pdf. file from Baseball Canada. I believe this models the PBUC mechanic.


Runner in scoring position; steal of third.

Base Umpire……should make sure the runner is going by shoulder-checking over his right shoulder. If the runner goes, read the catcher’s throw, move to the play, get a 90 degree angle to the slide, get set and make the call. Do not get too close or cheat on this play or you will be out of position. React to the appropriate.
base.

Tim.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Of course you shouldn't be moving until the pitch is caught by F2 or struck by the batter.


Tim.

17U? I think it's safe to say we're talking 90' diamond here not LL mechanics. If you aren't moving before the ball reaches the catcher, you're not gaining either angle or distance on this play.