Mechanics Question

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bluehair

Ball in F2 mitt in plenty of time, runner is going straight in, getting a foot through to the plate while a tag is being applied, you can't see which happen first in 3BLX (you can't even see the tag, your view is blocked by F2). Best view here would be 1BLX.

I've met umpires that only used 1BLX, then learned the benefit of 3BLX and now think that 3BLX is the only place to be. You can't just scrap 1BLX. Start at POP, read, and move.

Except that you take one read step from 3BLX and it all opens up.

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by Rich

Except that you take one read step from 3BLX and it all opens up.

If one step is going to fix the situation that I described, then you are either way to close to HP (should be at/near the cutout) or you have a very large step.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bluehair

Ball in F2 mitt in plenty of time, runner is going straight in, getting a foot through to the plate while a tag is being applied, you can't see which happen first in 3BLX (you can't even see the tag, your view is blocked by F2). Best view here would be 1BLX.

I've met umpires that only used 1BLX, then learned the benefit of 3BLX and now think that 3BLX is the only place to be. You can't just scrap 1BLX. Start at POP, read, and move.

I'm not sure you can see that in 1BX either because the tag is applied <-here while the foot is -> there.

If the tag is on the foot, you can see it in either spot.

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I'm not sure you can see that in 1BX either because the tag is applied <-here while the foot is -> there.

If the tag is on the foot, you can see it in either spot.

It is not uncommon to have tag is applied <-here while the foot is -> (even for a hustling umpire). With proper distancing, we do our best. Important thing is to see the tag.

My point was that 3BLX in not the only place to be, as some have suggested. Do you think that 3BLX is the only place to be?

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by bluehair

Do you think that 3BLX is the only place to be?

If you're going to pick ONE place to be...you should pick 3BLX.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bluehair

My point was that 3BLX in not the only place to be, as some have suggested. Do you think that 3BLX is the only place to be?

Didn't say or imply that.

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

If you're going to pick ONE place to be...you should pick 3BLX.

This is more in line with what I think has been said.

And, newer umpires, for whatever reason, tend to gravitate toward 1BX. They need to break that habit, get comfortable in 3BX and then get comfortable adjusting with the play (while still being set for the call). There just aren't enough tough calls at the plate to practice this and it's tough to simulate in any umpire clinic.

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

get comfortable in 3BX and then get comfortable adjusting with the play (while still being set for the call).

got to be ready to move (like Jagger)

All the moves like Jagger
I've got the moves like Jagger
I've got the moves like Jagger

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bluehair

If one step is going to fix the situation that I described, then you are either way to close to HP (should be at/near the cutout) or you have a very large step.

There's no need to put your nose between the catcher and the runner. All you're going for is an angle.

[UMP45]

Originally Posted by UMP45

Start at point of the plate. Read play and adjust. They also now teach if you read a swipe to stay on the catchers hip. Also called "watch the wallet".

This is what is being taught.