I called three FP games with Billy P this year, 2 of them with him on the bases. He used this mechanic both times he had the bases. He speaks highly of it.

Mike,
Yes, that could apply to FP at times. Especially with the guys I mentioned earlier OR in tournaments when working your 5th game of the day. The biggest objection would probably be over the appearance of "not being where BU is expected to be".

Steve M

Well I did what you all mentioned. As soon as I read the play, and noticed that my partner was in no-mans-land, I shot up the middle yelling...."I've got 2 and 3...You go home!". Everything was covered.

Both coaches and my assigner appreciated my hustle.

What about having a good angle for crow-hops, etc?

I bet your partner appreciated it as well, even if this one didn't want to marry you.

What difference would it make? Nobody ever calls them, anyway!! http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung0...smiley-103.gif

I would think that angle would be more advantageous to see the pitcher sliding the pivot foot forward off the plate, but how do you call that pitch if a runner is on base?

A good point, nonetheless.

My understanding of this mechanic comes from talking with Billy and watching him in action.

Basically, it amounts to the BU starts in the position he would take with one runner on 1st. While you may give up a little in being able to watch the pitcher, you gain a lot in being in position for calls on the bases. No longer are you calling the play from the foul side when there is a batted ball to shallow right, for example.

I have a few two-man games left this season. Maybe I'll actually give it a try. If so, I'll let you know how it worked.

BU and PU should be prepared for sitches like this. My normal partner(s) and I usually discuss this beforehand, and instead of long drawn-out sentences like "I've got 2nd and 3rd, you go home!" (which are likely to distract players), PU just yells "Switch", and BU knows that he/she's got home, and PU has the bases.

A couple of times coaches have commented on how organized we looked in a situation like that.

Like that, but would include my partner's name and a word that doesn't sound like "s*h**. ;)

I've tried using those 1 word phrases this summer and have come to the following conclusion......I don't like them. "Swing", "Tag", "No"...Yadda Yadda Yadda.

The only 1 word phrase we like to use is "Bite"....Instead of "Bite Me!". :)

Hey guys!!! Back in business after two days without power.

Steve, sounds like we work in the same association. We also have a couple "very experienced guys" that would benefit from that position.

Mike, as far as I know, it would work in FP as well as SP.