PU-Throwing Ball Back to Pitcher-Let the Players Play the Game

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I don't understand (1) why F2 is chasing a foul, (2) why you need to open the gate, (3) why you end up 20 feet from each other, and (4) why on earth F1 is standing around the plate area. Could you explain why all of these things are happening without baserunners?

Its simpler than you realize!

1) The ball was popped up behind the plate
2) Open the gate so catcher can chase the ball, track F2 as he runs back to the fence
3) 20 feet was just a reasonable guess, don't want to be too close for him making a potential play, don't want to give up the plate too much if there is an R3
4) On the foul ball behind the plate, pitchers traditionally head towards home or if the popup is off behind either dugouts they chase it as well. They rarely stand idly by on the mound, particularly if there is R3.

Make sense?

I assume that you assumed that we were discussing a direct foul shot to the screen, in which case I think we agree slap one in F2s hand and let someone else chase it down.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Its simpler than you realize!

1) The ball was popped up behind the plate
2) Open the gate so catcher can chase the ball, track F2 as he runs back to the fence
3) 20 feet was just a reasonable guess, don't want to be too close for him making a potential play, don't want to give up the plate too much if there is an R3
4) On the foul ball behind the plate, pitchers traditionally head towards home or if the popup is off behind either dugouts they chase it as well. They rarely stand idly by on the mound, particularly if there is R3.

Make sense?

I assume that you assumed that we were discussing a direct foul shot to the screen, in which case I think we agree slap one in F2s hand and let someone else chase it down.

Oh, additional information. Now I can "see" it in my feeble mind. Yes, I was picturing a passed ball or foul straight back with no runners.

[biggravy]

I almost started a thread about this the other day. Watching a Cubs game, PU, Gerry Davis I believe, fired one back to F1. Soto was right there and turned his head, said something through his mask to PU who leaned in and nodded. The next several times, PU handed F2 the ball. It got me wondering what other umpires do.

Me? I usually have one ready before F2 gets the hand or glove up. If F2 is up and away from me I throw it back. Sometimes in high school I seem to get an F2 that thinks it time for him to stand up and stretch. I used to catch and don't blame him one bit if that's what he wants to do. I step to the side and its an easy toss back to F1. I don't think it's my time to show off and fire a missile. Nothing to prove. Agreed with the other poster that I show my ability by hustling my fat *** to where I'm supposed to be.