My bi-annual ritual

[aschramm]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Received the FED baseball umpires manual and am just about to toss it right in the trash. When they remove the plate umpire covering third on a bases empty triple, it may get to stick around.

While I don't agree with this mechanic either, it did save me once. Bases empty, batter hits a deep one to the outfield. I started creeping up the third base line because I could see my partner wasn't keeping up with the runner (60' bases), and ended up calling the runner out at 3rd. Had I not been there, the BU would've been making that call somewhere from half-way between 2nd and 3rd.

But then again, maybe this doesn't fall under mechanics, as much as it does to know what (or what not) your partner is capable of.

[Welpe]

If a BU can't handle covering 3rd with 60' bases, he should probably just hang it up.

[bossman72]

...at least the FED is getting with the times and having the BU take both calls on the 2nd play in the infield (ie- R2 gets checked, throw to first, then trow to third to get R2)

[umpduck11]

I've never seen the Fed Manual, due to the fact that the State of Alabama produces its own mechanics manual. And from some of the "reviews" I've seen here over the years, I'm pretty happy about that fact.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by aschramm

While I don't agree with this mechanic either, it did save me once. Bases empty, batter hits a deep one to the outfield. I started creeping up the third base line because I could see my partner wasn't keeping up with the runner (60' bases), and ended up calling the runner out at 3rd. Had I not been there, the BU would've been making that call somewhere from half-way between 2nd and 3rd.

But then again, maybe this doesn't fall under mechanics, as much as it does to know what (or what not) your partner is capable of.

Half-way between 2nd and 3rd is not all that bad of positioning. I can't stand when a PU "creeps up the line" on a naked triple. That's my call there, hoss...back on off. Go back and mow your lawn back behind the plate. If the base umpire doesn't get there, that's on him. Unless he is gimpy, and tells you in the pregame about his injury, then he needs to be able to handle a triple by himself, especially on a kiddie-sized diamond. Hell, I could damn near walk around the bases on a small diamond and still beat a BR to 3rd base!

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

If the base umpire doesn't get there, that's on him.

Agreed. But, we've all blown a rotation, and thanks to the partner who covered for us.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by aschramm

While I don't agree with this mechanic either, it did save me once. Bases empty, batter hits a deep one to the outfield. I started creeping up the third base line because I could see my partner wasn't keeping up with the runner (60' bases), and ended up calling the runner out at 3rd. Had I not been there, the BU would've been making that call somewhere from half-way between 2nd and 3rd.

But then again, maybe this doesn't fall under mechanics, as much as it does to know what (or what not) your partner is capable of.

On a small diamond? That's about the time you shoot the old horse with your service revolver.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by aschramm

While I don't agree with this mechanic either, it did save me once. Bases empty, batter hits a deep one to the outfield. I started creeping up the third base line because I could see my partner wasn't keeping up with the runner (60' bases), and ended up calling the runner out at 3rd. Had I not been there, the BU would've been making that call somewhere from half-way between 2nd and 3rd.

But then again, maybe this doesn't fall under mechanics, as much as it does to know what (or what not) your partner is capable of.

And if the ball had gotten by F5 and the runner headed home, who would have made the call there?

[DonInKansas]

BU rotates home AFAIK.

[aschramm]

Originally Posted by DonInKansas

BU rotates home AFAIK.

Correct. Typically during our pre-game, we discuss certain coverages. What usually happens is as the runner rounds second, and the PU is already at 3B, he will yell "I got 3rd", and the BU will rotate home.