1st base or 3rd base extended?

[justanotherblue]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Are you sure you want to be 3BLX on a throw from RF? Isn't it the other way around...throw from RF you would be 1BLX throw from LF you would be 3LBX...

Yes, I'm sure I want to be there. Generally speaking, with a ball coming from RF, a swipe tag develops. However, you can get a blocking play at the plate also. Let the ball and the situation take you where you need to be. If the developing play looks like it is going to be a block of the plate, go 1BLX. Same as a throw from left field. Generaly speaking, a blocking play develops. go 1BLX. That allows you to see the blocking of the plate. However, you can also get a swipe tag situation develop with a throw off line, 3BLX is a better view of that.... now, all that said, use your eyes, feet and brain and try to get in the best postion possible for the play. Every play is different. As Jimmy would say, you have to umpire a little once in a while to get it right.

[nickrego]

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 ?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by nickrego

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.

[bob jenkins]

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.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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%

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by GarthB

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

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.

[LomUmp]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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? If the throw was cut off, then THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!!

LomUmp

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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.

Nice points Bob...thanks!