Selling the call, by NOT selling the call.

[nickrego]

I still have pretty good wheels, so when I think being in Foul Territory will give me the best look, and keep me out of the play, that's where I go.

Remember, the best view of a play is from the stands, which are in just outside of Foul Territory.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by nickrego

I still have pretty good wheels, so when I think being in Foul Territory will give me the best look, and keep me out of the play, that's where I go.

In my area we are constrained by what our association has deemed appropriate mechanics. (CCA for the most part) Foul territory is rarely a first or good choice.

With F3 moving toward his bag and then touching the outfield side of it, and F1 down the line, the fair side 90 puts me in position to see the play, keeps me out of harms way and places me in the perfect spot to take the runner to second and beyond on a bad throw.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by GarthB

In my area we are constrained by what our association has deemed appropriate mechanics. (CCA for the most part) Foul territory is rarely a first or good choice.

With F3 moving toward his bag and then touching the outfield side of it, and F1 down the line, the fair side 90 puts me in position to see the play, keeps me out of harms way and places me in the perfect spot to take the runner to second and beyond on a bad throw.

I'm starting to prefer 1SF to 90 degrees, and I've not found myself out of position (yet) when trying it.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

I'm starting to prefer 1SF to 90 degrees, and I've not found myself out of position (yet) when trying it.

When I get older, I might prefer that, too.

I have seen umpires using it miss front and back of bag touches and needlessly get in the way of runners.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by GarthB

When I get older, I might prefer that, too.

I have seen umpires using it miss front and back of bag touches and needlessly get in the way of runners.

I'm 39!

I can't see ever getting in the way of a runner - you're 18-20 feet down the line, shouldn't be a problem. And I can't see missing a back bag touch. I CAN see missing a front bag, and on F3-F1 plays, I'm going to move to the 90 instead. Like I said, though, I've just started trying it out - so I definitely haven't seen everything on this yet.

I do think I get a better view of all the relevant information though. At least so far. Perhaps this deserves a separate topic though!

[Rich]

Originally Posted by GarthB

When I get older, I might prefer that, too.

I have seen umpires using it miss front and back of bag touches and needlessly get in the way of runners.

I got burned on a play last season where I used xSF (x steps fair) rather than bust for a 90. And it was a routine one-hopper back to the pitcher, who then ran towards the line and then short-hopped it to first and F3 blocked my view entirely and I had no clue whether he bobbled it or not. I should've been near the line between first and second, but I was lazy and paid for it.

Since then I am always where I can see the catch without looking through the fielder. I'm sure I look silly busting in so far on a routine ball back to F1, but burn me once....

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by nickrego

I still have pretty good wheels, so when I think being in Foul Territory will give me the best look, and keep me out of the play, that's where I go.

Remember, the best view of a play is from the stands, which are in just outside of Foul Territory.

Unfortunately, when you go into foul territory, mechanics dictate that you are to stay there and take any overthrow at first, while the poor home plate umpire you screwed has to bust his butt out there and take the BR around the diamond.

The ONLY good time to go into foul territory (on plays to the infield) from Position A is when there is extreme pressure toward first base from F4 going deep into the hole. Even then I will go 1 step fair if at all possible.

[JugglingReferee]

Bball and Fball guy here. In comment to the apparent mixup among the replies near the beginning, I read the OP and I understood 100% what was going on. The OP's mechanics may or may not have been correct (I wouldn't know) but for someone who reads the baseball forum sporatically, I had no doubt what the OP was about.

And OP, yes, I agree: having the no-brainer mechanic has worked for me too!

[3appleshigh]

I think it is odd that you all just assume 2 man mechanics, in 3 man he is most likely encoraged to head to foul on this play. Mostly this assumtion is shocking since y'all love to jump on people who make assumtions.

Tee hee hee

[Rich]

Originally Posted by 3appleshigh

I think it is odd that you all just assume 2 man mechanics, in 3 man he is most likely encoraged to head to foul on this play. Mostly this assumtion is shocking since y'all love to jump on people who make assumtions.

Tee hee hee

Why would anyone be encouraged to head foul in 3-man?

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Why would anyone be encouraged to head foul in 3-man?

No runners, U3 would be moving toward the working area on the ground ball. PU still trails & U1 could slide into foul territory on this without worry about potential plays at 2B or 3B on an overthrow.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

No runners, U3 would be moving toward the working area on the ground ball. PU still trails & U1 could slide into foul territory on this without worry about potential plays at 2B or 3B on an overthrow.

Could slide....but this doesn't equate to being "encouraged" to make a call from there.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Why would anyone be encouraged to head foul in 3-man?

Going to foul territory is not only common in many movements for the first base umpire, but it is almost necessary when rotating home. Of course there can be some variations in mechanics sets, but for the most part that is where the first base umpire can move freely without running into another umpire or player.

Peace

[jkumpire]

IMO try to make every call routine, and you sell half the crowd your right.

I also get in the habit on close safe calls to not vocalize the call unless i have need to do so. A quiet safe and a voice loud enough for the 1B, BR and 1B coach can sell the call wonderfully.

sometimes you have to sell it with a loud voice and demonstrative signal, and sometimes a "soft answer turns away anger."

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by 3appleshigh

I think it is odd that you all just assume 2 man mechanics, in 3 man he is most likely encoraged to head to foul on this play. Mostly this assumtion is shocking since y'all love to jump on people who make assumtions.

A better question is why wouldn't we assume 2 man mechanics unless otherwise stated. The general rule is that we are discussing 2 man mechanics, and when that changes, we point it out.

I guess I'm just jumping on you for your false assumption!