I firmly believe that 1st Base Line Extended (BLE), and maybe even a couple of steps up toward 3rd base, is the best place to be.

I use 3rd BLE unless the ball is coming in from Right field, then I get to go to my favorite place.

Why do I use 3rd BLE, because I also got dinged on an evaluation for not using it. Not because I got the call wrong, but because I was not where our association 'thinks' we should be.

I have seen more umpires blow home plate calls from 3rd BLE, than from 1st BLE, because they are blocked out by the catcher. They mostly can't see a dropped ball, or the timing of the tag vs. the runner's foot touching the plate between the catcher's legs.

I still don't see why people say you can't see the swipe tag from 1st BLE, I can see the ball, the runner, the catcher, the plate, and the play. What more do you need to see ?

The tag -- not through the catcher and the runner, either.

I think we're all focusing too much on where the throw comes from and not enough on where the catcher goes. I'm thinking as I'm typing (a dangerous combination, I know), but:

If F2 stays at the plate, it will likely be a "crash". 1BE.

If F2 moves straight up the first base line, any swipe / dive will be right at the corner of the plate. 1BE

If F2 moves out into the field, or up the third base line, it will likely be a swipe. 3BE

Even though 3BE is only one of the three cases, this case happens 87.432% of the time.

Recheck your math, Bob. I come up with 87.433%

Nice points Bob...thanks!

You are correct. I wrote the post before adding in the results of all MLB, MiLB, college HS and youth ball games completed after 9:00 p.m (CDT) last night. It's still subject to change based on the results from other countries.

Hey all,

Did you take into account whether the throw comes from a left handed or right handed fielder?:confused::eek::D If the throw was cut off, then THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!!

LomUmp:cool: