Mechanics question

[cbfoulds]

The why, IMO, is based on a combination of three maxim/ norms:

1 base/ runner: 1 umpire

Bracket the runner(s): 1 umpire on either end of any possible play/ pickle

Lead runner is most important: one umpire HAS TO see/ be in optimal position to call plays/ events [tag-ups and touches, as well as bangers] on the lead runner.

With fewer than 4 umpires, positioning will always be a compromise.

2-man mech. puts BU in C with a runner on 2d or 3d only because it is the best compromise of the foregoing three principles. "Easiest for the umpires', sometimes refered to as "where the ball is most likely to go" is only a consideration in positioning BEFORE the ball is hit w/ R1/3, where, usually, the preference is for "B", as a attempt to pick R1 is much more common than a throw to get R3.

That said, I'm OK with, "because the f#@%ing book says so, and that's how we're doing it, OK?" with the "veterans".

[bossman72]

They like to be in B position in those situations because you get a better look at the play at first and for bases loaded you get a better look at the 6-4-3 / 4-6-3 double play, which is the one that happens 90% of the time.

I tend to agree with bases loaded... no idea why we're in C. 2nd and 3rd or 3rd only is debatable for B and C

[jicecone]

Bottom line here is three things:

1. Get the call right.
2. Be in position to get the call right.
3. Get the call right.

Whether your in the A, B,C, D, E F or G position, you shouldn't park yourself there anyway. There is nothing wrong with moving the legs and always trying to improve your position, just come to a stop and make your call.

In two man mechanics I would reccomend the position that accomplsihes the above. The why is a matter of who you talk to or the manual you read (for two man mechanics).

[UmpTTS43]

Pre-pitch positioning is based on the likelyhood of a particular play on a non-batted ball. That being said, with R3, R2R3 or bases loaded, the most likely play happening under that senario is a back pick from F2 to F5 on R3. Once the ball is batted, the umpire is responsible for being in proper position for any subsequant plays. The reason many "old timers" don't like this is because they can't move their *** when required.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by UmpTTS43

Pre-pitch positioning is based on the likelyhood of a particular play on a non-batted ball. That being said, with R3, R2R3 or bases loaded, the most likely play happening under that senario is a back pick from F2 to F5 on R3. Once the ball is batted, the umpire is responsible for being in proper position for any subsequant plays. The reason many "old timers" don't like this is because they can't move their *** when required.

Great explanation, and thank you.

The rest is typical baseball board banter that I remember fondly Doesn't look like much has changed since I left. haha

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Bottom line here is three things:

1. Get the call right.
2. Be in position to get the call right.
3. Get the call right.

Whether your in the A, B,C, D, E F or G position, you shouldn't park yourself there anyway. There is nothing wrong with moving the legs and always trying to improve your position, just come to a stop and make your call.

In two man mechanics I would recommend the position that accomplishes the above. The why is a matter of who you talk to or the manual you read (for two man mechanics).

+1.

I like C for bases loaded (sometimes), R1/R2, R2/R3, and R3 only. I'm moving on every play into position, and I'm never in either "B" or "C" once the ball is hit. It is merely a starting point, and C is a much better starting point for R3 only, and is a personal preference with bases loaded, depending on which I feel comfortable in based on who is batting and the situation. I am every bit as close on a 6-4-3 DP as someone starting in B, because I know how to move around the diamond properly.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I am every bit as close on a 6-4-3 DP as someone starting in B, because I know how to move around the diamond properly.

You must be the only one

I've been to two clinics run by professional umpires, and this wasn't even close to what was taught.

It sounds like you must run for C to B, and make your calls on the run.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

You must be the only one

I've been to two clinics run by professional umpires, and this wasn't even close to what was taught.

It sounds like you must run for C to B, and make your calls on the run.

Well, that's nice and all. I learned from professionals as well. What were you taught? Why don't you mention that, instead of just criticizing all the time? I am set for all my calls. You need to see me umpire before you say asinine, ridiculous statements. If I'm in C and it is going to be a 6-4-3 or 4-6-3 DP, I do move rapidly toward B when the ball is hit, and stop in perfect position to see the play at 2nd, and I then signal the out as I drift over to the B area (as was taught by pro umpires), which is about 3 or 4 good steps, then turning with the throw and setting to see play at first. Excellent position to see both plays. I am all about getting the best angles and distance I can get out of every play in order to be in good position. Damn, why am always forced to explain things to you?

I don't start in B, turn around, call play at 2nd, turn toward 1st, and call play at first. Why, is that how you were taught? I don't start in C and just stand there to call both plays. Why, is that how you were taught?

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Well, that's nice and all. I learned from professionals as well. What were you taught? Why don't you mention that, instead of just criticizing all the time? I am set for all my calls. You need to see me umpire before you say asinine, ridiculous statements. If I'm in C and it is going to be a 6-4-3 or 4-6-3 DP, I do move rapidly toward B when the ball is hit, and stop in perfect position to see the play at 2nd, and I then signal the out as I drift over to the B area (as was taught by pro umpires), which is about 3 or 4 good steps, then turning with the throw and setting to see play at first. Excellent position to see both plays. I am all about getting the best angles and distance I can get out of every play in order to be in good position. Damn, why am always forced to explain things to you?

I don't start in B, turn around, call play at 2nd, turn toward 1st, and call play at first. Why, is that how you were taught? I don't start in C and just stand there to call both plays. Why, is that how you were taught?

First of all, you needn't get so defensive. Second of all, you needn't be so insulting in the process either. Discuss, don't debase.

They showed us how to step back with one foot depending on which side of us the ball was hit, turn, step and set for the play at 2B. Then how to turn, step, and set for the throw to 1B. AT NO TIME WAS THERE ANY MENTION OF HAVING TO MOVE FROM C TO B. They teach angle over distance.

Perhaps you could post some video of yourself doing all these remarkable deeds. Could you possibly provide us about 15 minutes of instructions on You Tube? I think myself and others would like to see what they're missing.

Personally, I'd bet dollars to donuts my mechanics on the field exceed yours in each and every way. Know your role, player.