2-Man System Mechanic

[DG]

Originally Posted by cookie

The position of the BU in 2-Man mechanics with a runner on third only is in the C position.

If BU I am always in C with R3. No exceptions, never been a problem.

[cookie]

Thanks for the responses men. I'm now thinking that moving to the B position is pretty much still optional unless specifically designated by a member's organisation/league.

By "upper level" I had meant college ball and above wherever the 2-man system is utilized. (I had gone to a couple of MiLb games in my area this past summer, but I didn't pay any attention to this mechanic while I was watching the game; so I'll be watching the next time I'm at one.) I do HS and Babe Ruth baseball in the spring, and during the summer on occasion do Travel 19U & 18U, men's league games and a lot of 16U and below games, and I've always stayed in the C position. In lower level rec games, to me, it's a must to be in C. In those games, F1's attention seems always to be engaged by spunky (sometimes foolish) R3's, with an occasional throw there also by F2. This is probably not so in higher level games; thus the likelihood of the next play being at 1st for the inning ending out.

I do think that the B position, because of the few extra steps closer to 1st, will give the BU a better look at the play at 1st, especially with a pulled foot, swipe tag, or bobbled ball, etc.. I will be trying out the B on occasion to see what's like...

[jicecone]

I have found that generally you will get more throws to 3rd in the JV and younger levels and that is usually when I will be in the C position. Perception is, your closer to the play. So it requires a couple steps here or there to also get in position for the throw at first and again perception prevails.

Varsity and above there is by far less pickoff attemps at 3rd. I am in usually in B regardless of outs, with only R3. That "occasional" throw from F2 is an easy call from the B position.

What is right or wrong? Beats the hell out of me, as can be seen above. One thing for sure though, you have to get your butt in position to make the call no matter where it is. Head for the mound and put yourself in a position that is almost equi-distance from all bases no matter what position you start from. Picking a position and standing there like growing grass is going to get you in trouble sooner or later period.

[MD Longhorn]

Personally, I prefer the angle I get at first from C over the distance gained from B. If it was mechanically allowed, I'd start from C with ANY runners on base, anywhere... but alas it's not.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by JJ

10 D1 conference tournaments, 5 D1 Regionals....I may qualify as "upper level"

JJ

It surprises me that either of those operate with just 2 umpires.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

It surprises me that either of those operate with just 2 umpires.

Can't speak to the conferences because I don't know to which he is referencing, but I believe all D-1 regionals are three man and have been for some time.

[cookie]

"The OP ...didn't specifically say 2-man."

The essence of my OP was about 2-man mechanics, and I thought it could be easily inferred. However, my second post stated it directly:

"By "upper level" I had meant college ball and above wherever the 2-man system is utilized."

Thanks again men...