Passed Ball Mechanics

[jwwashburn]

I just saw the Home Plate Umpire in the Pirates @ Tigers game set up with his back almost completely turned to the catcher, on one knee facing Home Plate. The ball was still moving when he turned his back on it.

I do not claim to know all of the mechanics taught to MLB umpires at all. This looked really weird and improper to me.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Where was the ball? Where were the runners? If there was a possible play at the plate, and he set up opposite of when the catcher was on an extended baseline, then he was probably setting up for a play at the plate. Other than that, I dunno.

[jwwashburn]

Sorry, I should have described it better. The ball was bouncing toward the backstop, r3 coming home and the Home Plate Umpire turned his back on the ball(whilst it was still moving) and knelt facing home plate-approximately thirda base extended.

Fortunately, the catcher did not bean him in the back of the head.

[waltjp]

Bill Miller on the plate. Pitch was high and off the catcher's glove and back to the screen just to the first base side. The catcher turned to his left with a left handed batter at the plate. Miller moved to his right and turned to check the location of the ball, which went back to the screen to the first base side. My guess is that Miller didn't want to cross between the catcher and the plate so he moved another 2 or 3 steps in the direction of first base to clear the throwing lane. Miller then turned to watch the touch of home plate and any potential play. Turned out there was no play because the catcher couldn't pick up the ball.

I didn't see anything wrong with the play. The PU has to read the catcher and adjust accordingly.

[jwwashburn]

I understand that and that is what I try to do. I have bever seen anyone turn his back to the ball and kneel, though.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

I understand that and that is what I try to do. I have bever seen anyone turn his back to the ball and kneel, though.

Maybe he was trying to get in good position, and then knelt down to avoid the throw, i.e., making himself a smaller target.