3 Mechanics Question

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

Sure, plenty of them. First that comes to mind - R2, fly ball to F9, PU goes to 3B ("I've got 3rd if he tags") - BU rolls home in case there is an errant throw - needs to wait for R2 to commit to 3rd before leaving though.

On a fly ball to F9, why isn't the BU lining up the tag, then taking the runner to third, setting up an angle to the play near the cut? That is the mechanic I was always taught. The PU doesn't cover third with R2 only, just when R1 and R2. The BU has to get around. That's why they call him the "base" umpire.

We were taught to set up near the grass line midway between 2nd and 3rd, see the catch, drop step with the right foot, pivot around with the left leg, get an angle by moving toward the 3rd base line, watch the throw over our right shoulder, and take the runner into 3rd base if there is a throw. This mechanic frees up the PU to get a good look at fair/foul in case the ball is near the line.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bossman72

2 Man:

1) Is there any situation in which the BU in the B or C position to start the play would rotate to home plate?

Not under any standard mechanics. Some (usually youth) organizations might change this.

2) R1, R3. R1 gets in a rundown btw 1st and 2nd. PU stays home because of R3. If the defense throws to 3rd to make a play on R3 either before R1 is tagged out or right after R1 is tagged out, this would also be the BU's call, correct?

Correct.

3) R1, single, PU rotates to third, overthrow on the play at 3rd and the ball is getting close to the out of play chalk (or imaginary) line, which is a good distance away from the base, but has a chance of staying in play. The PU has to rotate back down to home for the play there, but does he also have the call on the ball rolling out of play? What's the best technique to accurately judge this when you're trying to bust your ace back to home? You can't necessarily turn and run since you have to watch the ball at the out of play line, but watching the ball will slow you down to get back to home. What do you guys do in this situation?

PU gets it the best he can. BU will also be watching the ball and can help out on the OOP call.