Straddling the foul line

[David Emerling]

I think it's better to be just slightly (but completely) in foul territory for two reasons:

1) It's less likely that you will be struck by a fair ball - although still possible. (i.e. a hot grounder goes directly over the bag. Fair ball! It could go into foul territory and strike the umpire it is will still be a fair/live ball.)

2) More importantly, because he is in foul territory, the umpire can immediately start focusing on the ball, and whether it's fair or foul, rather than being concerned with moving.

Most umpires that I see have their right foot within a few inches of the foul line.

In my opinion, the necessity to get a good view of a batter's check swing is very low on the totem pole. Regardless of your view, just call what you see and if you didn't get a good look, just extend your arms and say, "No!". Simple!