Angle/Distance

[Larry Gallagher]

I have been trying without much success to determine what the NCAA has to say about the following question: "What is the correct distance to take your play at first base when you are in the A position on a ground ball to the infield?"

I have found the distance that the National Federation of High School Sports states for Baseball in a number of their manuals that they have published over the years. They state it should be 15-18 feet.

The PBUC Manual for the 2-Umpire System states it should be 15-20 feet as published in the 2000-2006 Copyrighted edition.

At Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring we were taught that it is 15-18 feet.

In the CCA umpire manuals for the past 4 years, it is stated "U1 moves into the best position to rule on plays at first base." Is there a reason why the NCAA does not have anything more specific than this. There manual does not include anything on angle either.

Most manuals do mention the angle should be 90-degrees from the origin of the throw if the ball is hit to the left side of the diamond. On balls to the right side of the diamond the angle should be the largest angle possible and still remain in fair territory. This means about 1-2 steps off the foul line. This means on balls to the shortstop up the middle, the 2nd baseman and the 1st baseman unless the base umpire feels pressure from the 2nd baseman. If there is pressure, the base umpire should go foul and make sure he does not let the base interfere with his vision of the pitcher or any fielder's foot as it touches 1st base. Again, looking for the largest angle possible for the play.

Please do not bring in the 3 or 4 umpire system into this discussion. I am only concerned with the 2-umpire system. I believe the distance is critical in case of an overthrow in the 2-umpire system. For instance, if someone is at 30 feet from the play and there is an overthrow, how can he expect to get inside the diamond and pivot and beat the batter-runner to 2nd base ahead of any play on him there? Also, if you get too close (10-12 feet as in a tag play), you might lose sight of the big picture on the play and only see a blurred mess in front of you.

So, please help me if anyone knows what the NCAA wants or if there is a reason given for not being more specific?

Thanks to anyone that can help in this quest of mine.

Larry Gallagher