|
Fri Sep 01, 2000, 07:32am
|
|||
|
|||
In the group of umpires that I work with, there is some difference of opinion on how to handle the following situations in a 2-man crew. I would appreciate opinions on the proper mechanics for the following situation (90-foot diamond).
There is a bunt, or a slow roller in front of the plate where F1, F5, or F2 must field the ball with a R2. What are the responsibilities of the PU and the BU? Also, does it make a difference if there is a R3 and/or R1? I had a situation recently where both of us umpires ended up at third, the pitcher fielded the ball, turned and threw to first. We didn't look very good on that play! I now make it a point to discuss this in pre-game, but like I said, there is differences of opinion on how to cover this. What's the best way to cover it? 
|
|
Fri Sep 01, 2000, 09:55am
|
|||
|
|||
quote: +++++++++++++++ Ed: I thought you'd never ask. Here is a passage from "Mechanics for the 21st Century, Part I," copyright by yours truly, 1999. The entire piece is posted at http://www.open.org/~hughesa/childress/ I want to offer a mechanic for one specific play that occurs with R2 and (usually) 0 out; namely, the sacrifice bunt pushed down the first-base line. The play always begins with the base umpire in C. The bunt is down, and the BU must judge where the first throw will go. His life is relatively simple if its to third though he cant get too buried in that play since he also has any subsequent plays on the BR. But if the throw is to first, the base umpire must move to that play, set, judge, call and signal, as well as prepare for the throwback to third if R2 becomes a little too adventurous. I was a career plate umpire, mostly because I was consistent on balls and strikes but partly because I feared dealing with plays like that bunt. Thats why one summer evening the "Committee" decided to give the play at first to the plate umpire. "Take that, Childress!" they chortled. "Well make a base umpire out of you yet." My take on that proposal is: How dreadfully simple life becomes. Situation: R2, bunt down the line at first. Well agree the plate umpire has to follow the ball anyway since he must rule fair/foul. While hes out there, he might as well earn his keep. When the bunt is fielded fair, he can swing into the infield for an angle, set, judge, call and signal. It is even likely he can get closer to first than any base umpire, who will probably cheat on his distance to first because he also must cover third. My mechanic allows the base umpire to submerge himself in the play at third. Hell be right on top of every throw to that base, whether its the first or the second play in the infield. The plate umpire can make his call at first and then move closer to the bag in the event of a throwback to that base. Remember, we umpire amateurs, where continuing plays often, uh, well, continue. Now, suppose the throw is to first, followed by the dreaded throwback to third followed by E5, which sends R2 scampering home. The plate umpire will have an unobstructed view of any slide/tag there without any fear of getting hit by an errant throw or barreled into by a runner or displaced catcher. Remember, thats how its covered even if the old style mechanics are in place where the base umpire makes the call at first while readying himself for a subsequent play at third. My mechanic also adheres to the general philosophy that holds: one umpire, one base. In the years since we "What ifd" and designed the coverage, I have spent many hours in discussion and contemplation. I have heard only one cogent objection to that mechanic: "But Carl, we never did it that way." Some have claimed the play is so rare that the crew might not remember the coverage. You know, they say, its like tournament bridge, where the pair carries one of those obscure conventions on their card to cover the once-in-a-lifetime hand: Partner opens 1 club, double by your RHO, and you have exactly 12 HCP, 3 diamonds, and 4 clubs. It might be a tough situation in bridge, but its easily solved in baseball. During the pre-game the plate umpire says: "Ive got the bunt down first." During the game he yells: "Ive got first." But even if Old Smitty behind the plate nods off, the crew faces no disaster; they have a natural, built-in safety net. The base umpire will view the play from C (as he drifts toward third). He can make the call in a pinch, and likely no one will be the wiser. ++++++++ Note: If the bunt is down the third-base line, the crew simply reverts to standard mechanics; i.e., the BU takes any first play at first or third, and the plate umpire takes the throw-back at third. Later on, I'll have an announcment about "Mechanics for the 21st Century," because it's going to turn into a book. ------------------ Papa C Editor, eUmpire
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
