Plate play mechanics

[Carl Childress]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob:
I've noticed before on TV that the plate guy is in several different places on plays at the plate. He may be on the first base line extended, up the 3rd base line a bit, or on 3rd base line extended.

What are the considerations for when they go to each position? When do they go there? Are they reading the throw and adjusting?


Bob

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Here's a simple rule of thumb they used to use: Set up so the throw is generally headed toward your mask.

But the modern clinicians (beginning with Brinkman back in the middle 80s) began to teach the umpire should always set up on the first-base line extended. The reason is simple: There is less chance you will get bowled over. That's what I teach exclusively now. Never go to the TBL, particularly in amateur ball.

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Papa C
Editor, eUmpire

[Bob]

I've noticed before on TV that the plate guy is in several different places on plays at the plate. He may be on the first base line extended, up the 3rd base line a bit, or on 3rd base line extended.

What are the considerations for when they go to each position? When do they go there? Are they reading the throw and adjusting?


Bob

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bob:
[B]I've noticed before on TV that the plate guy is in several different places on plays at the plate. He may be on the first base line extended, up the 3rd base line a bit, or on 3rd base line extended.

What are the considerations for when they go to each position? When do they go there? Are they reading the throw and adjusting?


Papa C has given you what is the general instructed mechanic but IMO on plays at the plate it depends upon which direction the ball is heading.


All bases are important but being in the proper position at the plate to me is extremely important as this particular play could be Game Time.

Sometimes if we always go to the 1BS we can be blocked out and not get a good clear view of the swipe tag by F2 on the 3BS.

We do not want to get bowled over either but the ball will take us to the play and it's important to get into the best position regardless if it's the 1BS or the 3BS.

If I find myself on the 1BS and the ball is headed for the 3BS, I move in the direction of the middle of the plate area to get a clear view - that way I will not get bowled over and be in the runners way.

Also, if I'm in the middle of the plate area, I get out of the way as soon as I make the call because there could be other runners on base and I do not want to get in the way of F2 throwing to say second base.

Pete Booth

[DJ Wickham]

"the umpire should always set up on the first-base line extended."

Carl, what should you recommend to deal with a sweep tag? From FBL extended you can see the facial and other non-verbal reactions by the runner who may be tagged (my only indicator the one time I dealt with the problem), but you can't see the tag.

I know the pro mechanic is to set up at the point of home plate and shift with the play, but I agree that there is a risk of the amateur ump (that's me) being the end of a nasty collision.

[Carl Childress]

quote:

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Originally posted by DJ Wickham:
"the umpire should always set up on the first-base line extended."

Carl, what should you recommend to deal with a sweep tag? From FBL extended you can see the facial and other non-verbal reactions by the runner who may be tagged (my only indicator the one time I dealt with the problem), but you can't see the tag.

I disagree. FBL is the ONLY place you get a good shot at seeing the touch.

I know the pro mechanic is to set up at the point of home plate and shift with the play, but I agree that there is a risk of the amateur ump (that's me) being the end of a nasty collision.

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Gosh, guys, I don't see the problem.

1. On the first-base line extended, you are ready to move as the runner swings away from the tag to slide around the catcher. Gentlemen: How many times do you see the runner slide into fair territory at the plate?

2. Regardless of where the ball is coming from, it's still headed for the catcher. In these days of slide or avoid and no-malicious contact, those plays at the plate are almost always going to be on the ground.

3. From FBL extended you can back away from the play and still have both players in front on you. From TBL extended, when the amatuer runner swings to his right, if you go left, he slides into you. If you go right, you have both the catcher and the runner in front of the tag.

4. Hop over to the field after you read this. Stand at the various positions and watch the runner slide at home. You'll see that the clinicians are right about this.

If the major league schools teach FBL (when their runners do not have to slide), then that so much more reason for us to use it, when ours do.

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Papa C
Editor, eUmpire

[Bob]

So let's see if I got this right.

Set up on FBL extended. If the throw is on the money, either stay there or move slightly to your right, maybe back a bit, and see the play.

If the throw is up the FBL, slide a bit to your right, see the tag or the sweep tag, and make the call.

You're right, it isn't that hard! (Once you've done 7,325 like you have! I've done maybe a dozen.)

Thanks for your help.


Bob