2SF or 90 to throw

[TussAgee11]

Pro schools will teach to get to 90 degrees(i.e. in the baseline between 1st and 2nd) on balls within the imaginary box (3 of the corners being home plate, the 45 foot line starting point, and the imaginary 45 foot line up the 3rd base line).

Many guys in MLB also will take this play just 2 steps fair. Downside, can't see the receiving side of the glove. Upside, you see the pulled foot, get a bigger picture, and can ensure you are stationary for the play.

[umpjim]

With the throw coming from the box the pulled foot angle should be better from the 90. But instincts sometimes trump mechanics. I think I've seen a few perfect ( by the current MLB standards which are a little further away than I'm used to at 1B) mechanics have the wrong results. I still have to use what Jim Evans teaches.

[TussAgee11]

F3 (or whoever is covering 1st) is going to be stepping towards 2nd to catch this ball. The throw, if it is to pull the fielder off, is most likely going to be either high or towards 2nd.

Standing in the baseline is not the best angle for this, as the fielder's body is in between you and the bag.

That being said, this is where Evans (and I believe Wendlestadt) and PBUC (at least initially) want their umpires in the 2 umpire system. I can not speak to what they may prefer with 3 or 4 umpires, as you no longer have to worry about staying ahead of the play into 2nd should the play advance in that direction.

[bob jenkins]

Either is fine for 95% of the plays.

One or the other is correct on the remaining 5%, and the play can go from one eing correct to the other being correct in the blink of an eye. A good read can help you adjust some, but it might not be enough.

I personally prefer 2SF for most of the calls.

I see many umpire going more than 90* -- that is, even on a throw from F6 moving to his left, they get almost in the baseline from 1st to 2nd.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Either is fine for 95% of the plays.

One or the other is correct on the remaining 5%, and the play can go from one eing correct to the other being correct in the blink of an eye. A good read can help you adjust some, but it might not be enough.

I personally prefer 2SF for most of the calls.

I see many umpire going more than 90* -- that is, even on a throw from F6 moving to his left, they get almost in the baseline from 1st to 2nd.

A little birdie told me this is being taught -- get the 90 and then take a couple more steps.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

A little birdie told me this is being taught -- get the 90 and then take a couple more steps.

That birdie gets around. Apparently from Florida, to Wisconsin, to Ohio, at the least. Probably upstate NY, too.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by mbyron

That birdie gets around. Apparently from Florida, to Wisconsin, to Ohio, at the least. Probably upstate NY, too.

Yep.