Selling the call, by NOT selling the call.

[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....