no runners - base hit, responsibility for the BR

[Tim C]

"Can't ask BU to make 2 calls within 3 seconds of each other when they are 144 feet apart.... I'd rather BU move over and get the proper angle at 1st, and let PU have plenty of time to think about his angle at 3rd."

This statement is, in my opinion, total BullRoar!

In most cases the BU will be in "B" after adjusting to the play at first base. He then simply "opens the gate" as we do on a steal of second and allow the ball to take us to the play at third.

In most cases this means I gain two, three or even four steps towards third base over the back of the mound.

At the VERY MOST an old guy like me is within 60' of third base easily (and if I started in "C" I am even closer) and if you believe in "angle over distance" the call at third is easy and if you are smart enough to continue to move towards third base when things are all over you'll never be more than 45' from the call.

In my opinion this is far superior than encouraging the PU to leave early from his responsibilities of fair/foul, pulled foot and swipe tag at first to get up to a position at third base that may, under the best of conditions, be equal to that attained by the BU.

Even though PBUC has ventured back towards the PU moving that does not make it 'best" for umpires working non-professional games.

Since professional umpire administrators can't decide (the mechanic has changed seven times since 1974) we will hardly find the answer here.

Regards,