Plays at 1st Base

[Tim C]

We've learned tons about base umpiring in the last 5 to 7 years.

You wrote:

"As the BU sets up at an ideal 90-degree angle to the throw,"

We don't worry so much about concentrating on the 90-degree rule any more. Actually there is a school of thought that "2 Steps Fair" gets you in nearly perfect position for 90% of your calls. While it is true that we move in further when a ball comes from the "box" in front of home plate -- 2SF is the more accepted mechanic today.

Most in this thread intone the same basics:

Read the throw (assuming it is a good throw),

Get your eyes on the base and watch for the touch of the runner while listening for the ball to hit the mitt.

THEN slow down and follow the JEA philosophy that "timing is the proper use of eyes" and before you make your call raise your eyes to the fielders mitt . . . make sure he has the ball and them make your call.

Statistics show that, when under pressure, umpires error by calling "safe" more often than "out."

Regards,