Out or safe? Video Play

[SouthGARef]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I actually think my head position is pretty good here, especially for a newbie. I've never really had someone help me with that... just done what I've read in the umpires manual and done what I've seen on TV. I'd really like to go to a good umpires camp. I'm only 23... I'll be doing this for a while, like to see how far I can go with it.

For those that asked, the tape is from the local cable station here. I agree, it'd be great if we could tape games. I'm getting my fiance to come to my next game behind the plate with our video camera so I can study the video tape to see what I need to work on. For instance, I haven't heard much griping about it, but I'd like to know what I'm calling stikes down at the bottom of the zone. I think it'd help me out a lot. Kind of my own Queztec system.

I personally think 3BLX would have been the best. I think I would have had a good angle at a tag. I called the runner safe because I couldn't tell for sure if there was a tag, and even if there was there was doubt in my mind that it was in time.

Bang bang play, I did the best I could with the situation. I'm definately not beating myself up over it. Overall, I was pleased with my effort that day.

[Don Mueller]

STEP 1

Originally Posted by SouthGARef

I called the runner safe because I couldn't tell for sure if there was a tag,

Stop right there. When you're in this position, you only go to step 2 after you've difinitively seen a tag.
Don't muddy your mind with insignificant details, they can only get you in trouble


Step 2

Originally Posted by SouthGARef

and even if there was there was doubt in my mind that it was in time.

[lawump]

1. First, your mechanics on the play in question looked good...good strong safe call. You did what you had to do with an injured partner. Normally, start at the point of the plate and adjust left or right (Third base line or first base line extended) to take the play.

Even without an injured umpire, sometimes in a two man, the plate umpire will head toward third, only to realize the play is going to be at home. Additionally, this sometimes happens with a pretty fast runner, and there is no way the umpire is going to be able to get back home to the ideal position, but rather they'll have to call it from about where you were, or somewhere else.

2. The only other thing I would comment on is this...you have some head movement when you are tracking pitches. Its not horrendous, but you consistently do it (at least in that video). You want to strive to have NO head movement...and, thus, only track the ball with your eyes. Your only movement should be with your eyes, not your head.

And yes, loose the brown belt, move the ball bag back and buy a ticket for the ride because your partner looked like he was about to take off!

[bossman72]

Definition of bang-bang play! You sold your call and looked confident. Good job.

I personally would be at 3BLX because of the swipe tag. Did you call safe because the runner beat the tag or because the catcher missed the tag?