CCA Mechanic for Rundowns

[JJ]

Same mechanic - here's a good rule of thumb: If you're the plate guy, and you get to the cutout, you stay put there - you don't "float" with the rundown. The base guy, who has been with the rundown from its beginning, does the "floating" (to watch for obstruction, interference, and tags). If the play comes into the cutout, the plate guy is there, set, and has a great look. That's his call.

JJ

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by JJ

Same mechanic - here's a good rule of thumb: If you're the plate guy, and you get to the cutout, you stay put there - you don't "float" with the rundown. The base guy, who has been with the rundown from its beginning, does the "floating" (to watch for obstruction, interference, and tags). If the play comes into the cutout, the plate guy is there, set, and has a great look. That's his call.

JJ

Exactly. My only addition: as PU, let your partner know you're in position. "I've got this end," but not until you're set in position (i.e., don't yell when you're 2 steps from the plate).

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Exactly. My only addition: as PU, let your partner know you're in position. "I've got this end," but not until you're set in position (i.e., don't yell when you're 2 steps from the plate).

Agree. And don't move into position unless the runner is moving away from you (within reason).

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Agree. And don't move into position unless the runner is moving away from you (within reason).

Oooh, that's right. I forgot that piece.

I hope there's a rundown in my game today.

[Durham]

Many umpires that have worked a lot together or had very good pregames will take the half, but the thing to remember is that both umpires should and will always make eye contact before either umpire makes a call. This eye contact part isn't explicit in either book, but it is the most important part of a rundown or a fair/foul near the bag or a tag/no tag near the 45 foot line or any other play that is going to have 2 sets of eyes at or near the action.

2 cents.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Durham

Many umpires that have worked a lot together or had very good pregames will take the half, but the thing to remember is that both umpires should and will always make eye contact before either umpire makes a call. This eye contact part isn't explicit in either book, but it is the most important part of a rundown or a fair/foul near the bag or a tag/no tag near the 45 foot line or any other play that is going to have 2 sets of eyes at or near the action.

2 cents.

Worth considerably more than 2 cents (that's my $0.02).

Generally, one umpire is going to have had a much better look at the tag (or whatever) than the other umpire. Eye contact ensures the right one calls it.

[Durham]

Was working a 3 man game yesterday where we had a bunt down the 1BL that had the B/R, F1, F2, F3 and the ball all at the 45 foot line at about the same time. I know what the books say, but i also know how I work and the guys I work with work. All 3 umpires had eyes on the play and the PU and I, U1, had eyes on the ball. When it was touched, the PU and I had eye contact, he verbaled to me and I verbaled back.

Timing isn't waiting to make a call, it is using your eyes to make sure you see everything including what your partners have.