I wanted to kick my assignor this weekend

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Julio Caliente

I told him that in my opinion I would angle my body to where I would only have to move my head and not my whole body.

Larry MIGHT be right.

Or, it could just be that Julio is not too caliente.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Julio, what Garth is beating around the bush to say is that the proper position in "B" is facing home plate, and when there is a pickoff you step forward and pivot on your left foot, swinging your right foot around and squaring up to the base. You are not supposed to just "turn your head."

[Julio Caliente]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Julio, what Garth is beating around the bush to say is that the proper position in "B" is facing home plate, and when there is a pickoff you step forward and pivot on your left foot, swinging your right foot around and squaring up to the base. You are not supposed to just "turn your head."

My body does turn, but I don't think I pivot correctly like you say. Well, there is another thing to work on.




For the record, I have never been to a school in my life. I do plan on going to one before next season though (I know I have a lot to learn). everything I have learned I have either been taught from somebody I worked with, or picked up from watching better umpires.

[DG]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Julio, what Garth is beating around the bush to say is that the proper position in "B" is facing home plate, and when there is a pickoff you step forward and pivot on your left foot, swinging your right foot around and squaring up to the base. You are not supposed to just "turn your head."

I was told at a camp this year that they are now teaching a direct step toward 1B with the left foot and bring the right foot around to square up. What you described is what I learned also.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by DG

I was told at a camp this year that they are now teaching a direct step toward 1B with the left foot and bring the right foot around to square up. What you described is what I learned also.

"They" need to get on the same page. I was told at a clinic this year to take the first step straight in toward the plate and pivot.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by DG

I was told at a camp this year that they are now teaching a direct step toward 1B with the left foot and bring the right foot around to square up. What you described is what I learned also.

That would be a direct step with left foot toward the 45' line, then bring the right foot up to square.

A direct step toward 1B does nothing except placing BU 3' closer on a bad angle. It would be better to take a step forward then turn.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by socalblue1

That would be a direct step with left foot toward the 45' line, then bring the right foot up to square.

Actually, this may be more correct (rather more in line with what I was told).

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

Actually, this may be more correct (rather more in line with what I was told).

I have bruises on the back of my head to prove it! (Downfall to knowing the Evans instructors too well ). At least they didn't break out the clown shoes ...

[Julio Caliente]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Larry MIGHT be right.

Or, it could just be that Julio is not too caliente.

Yeah, that story comes form a buddy of mine who said I look mexican (even though I am not). Well, long story short....

He started calling me Julio and teh name stuck...

Ontop of that I am overweight but am a happy go lucky guy and so I responded with "Yeah, but I am sexy *****" and the name Julio Caliente has stuck.


As for mechanics in B I like to stand where i can see the pitcher, R1, and the plate all in my field of view. The guy I was working with had his back facing first. His chest was pointing out towards the left field foul pole and there was no way he could turn and make an accurate call on a quick pick. If my mechanics are wrong feel free to correct them.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Julio Caliente

As for mechanics in B I like to stand where i can see the pitcher, R1, and the plate all in my field of view.

You should not concern yourself as to where R1 is. Unless there is a throw to first, it does not matter where R1 is. You will know when he is stealing. You will either hear him running, or you will hear fielders shouting, "he's going!"

You should set up on the imaginary line between the plate and the edge of the pitcher's mound, and be facing the plate directly, with your head turned to watch the pitcher only. Nothing can happen without the baseball, and he is the one holding the baseball. If you are trying to keep one eye on the runner, you are liable to miss a little something called "balks."

After the pitcher is committed to home plate, turn your head toward the plate and track the pitch and be ready to move with whatever play occurs. If the pitcher makes a pickoff move, step forward (they like at least two steps, so I go right-left-pivot) and pivot to face first base.

For pickoffs at 2nd or 3rd, you need only pivot and face the base to make the call, no stepping forward required. But in two-man mechanics, you set up with your body facing home plate from both "B" and "C."

I hope this helps.

[Julio Caliente]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

If you are trying to keep one eye on the runner, you are liable to miss a little something called "balks."

Man, I knew I was missing something

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

For pickoffs at 2nd or 3rd, you need only pivot and face the base to make the call, no stepping forward required. But in two-man mechanics, you set up with your body facing home plate from both "B" and "C."

Sounds about what I do at C

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I hope this helps.

Yes it does. Thank you