Third base coverage
 

Two umpires... Which umpire has third base when runners are on 1st & 2nd?

Has third base for what?

Depends.

If there are less than 2 outs, batter hits a deep fly and the runners tag up, the PU will take a play on the R2 at 3B.

Otherwise the BU has all plays at 3B.

JM

What about touches of 3B?

(I know that you know; I was trying to learn what the OP was asking with the ambiguous phrase "has third base.")

My fault... If there is a ball hit to SS and force play at third.

Ringo, think about where the BU is when this play starts and then ask yourself again, Who is going to make this call?

Well, the plate umpire called safe and base umpire signaled out. Just was curious whose call this was supposed to be... Thanks.

if the ball doesn't leave the infield, the BU always has the first play unless it's at the plate.

Assuming field umpire is in the proper C position, the answer is easy. Unfortunately I gave been seeing the field umpire in the B position more frequently with R1 & R2 as of late.

In Illinois, at least, the IHSA wants you in B for all plays if I recall correctly this year.

treydawg,

Where on earth did you get that idea?

From the 2-man POE doc posted on the IHSA officials website:


JM

Just playing "devil's advocate", but what's wrong with being in B in that sitch. You have a much better angle of the play than you do at C.

I don't see that as a disadvantage, but many times an advantage.

Coaches are the only ones who complain that the umpire was too far away to make the call.

Thanks
David

As I recall, Carl used to defend an "always in B" mechanic, though I seem to remember the claim being that it was no worse than C and easier to teach.

I think he meant "B instead of A", not necessarily "B instead of C".

Sorry Ringo, my answer was predicated on you being a baseball umpire. I can assume from your vast amount of post that you do basketball. Plate umpire has no business making this call.