1st Base Umpire kneels and gets straight lined

[ozzy6900]

I go into a bit of a scissors especially at 1st base. I do not "lay into it" until the last moment in case I have to move. I find that I get a better view and once I "lock in" I'm like a camera on a tripod.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I go into a bit of a scissors especially at 1st base. I do not "lay into it" until the last moment in case I have to move. I find that I get a better view and once I "lock in" I'm like a camera on a tripod.

isn't that somewhat risky in a two man system? a throw in the dirt or anything weird could get you to 2B late...I could see locking like that in a three man...even though I personally wouldn't do it...couldn't a "hands on, knees set" or HOKS be just as effective at your knee and still not have you be the sitting duck?? thoughts?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

isn't that somewhat risky in a two man system? a throw in the dirt or anything weird could get you to 2B late...I could see locking like that in a three man...even though I personally wouldn't do it...couldn't a "hands on, knees set" or HOKS be just as effective at your knee and still not have you be the sitting duck?? thoughts?

Ozzy said that he works a locked "scissors" position, more of a standing set position. He does not work the knee. Reading is fun, and fundamental.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

isn't that somewhat risky in a two man system? a throw in the dirt or anything weird could get you to 2B late...I could see locking like that in a three man...even though I personally wouldn't do it...couldn't a "hands on, knees set" or HOKS be just as effective at your knee and still not have you be the sitting duck?? thoughts?

In 25 years of 2 man work, I haven't missed a play. Now if you think about it, a PU using the scissors has to get out just as fast as a BU has to move. Remember, the lock comes at the last minute. If I read a problem with the fielder making the throw, I remain in an upright stance. If on the rare occasion the throw is bad, I make sure the runner is clear and angle in just like you youngen's learned in school!

[jicecone]

IMO I still believe one of the best ways to read the play at first after you get into position, is to lock your hands on your knees, see the play, make your decision, stand erect, announce it. Your still flexible enough to adjust if you have to. Especially in the 2 man system.

But then again at 28 going to one knee and recovering was never a problem. 30 years later, Houston we got a problem!

I picked this up from a Gerry Davis tape several years ago and it really helped me in calling ALL plays at first.

[DG]

The only time I go to one knee is when I have working too long in the yard on a hot day, and I may be sitting on my butt shortly thereafter.

If I can make it to the garage there is a fan there, cool concrete and a cold beverage in the garage refrigerator.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by DG

The only time I go to one knee is when I have working too long in the yard on a hot day, and I may be sitting on my butt shortly thereafter.

If I can make it to the garage there is a fan there, cool concrete and a cold beverage in the garage refrigerator.

My sentiments exactly!