base umpire positioning

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

It is my understanding that the "2-3 steps off the shoulder" is where F6 would "normally" play.

If F6 is playing in, or shifted left or right, this would have no bearing on your position. You want to maintain a consistent position.

No, it is off the fielder, not a general position.

If F6 is playing deep, you may drop back a bit, but then maybe not. . .using the "straight line theory" (at least I think that is the right term)

Straight Line Theory: imagine a straight line between F6 and F4 (or any two adjacent players for that matter). If you are behind that line, you are considered to be behind both players, even though you may be closer to home plate than one of those players.

This should be used only if extremely deep, not just a step or two back. You will see that more in SP than in the FP game.

As an umpire, I want to be close to a fielder. Try to avoid a position in the hole, if possible. If you are, you become a target for the batter and that is something you do not want, especially in the SP game. This is more workable up the middle.

The reason you want to be close to a fielder is to avoid them when s/he reacts to a batted ball. Like a PU and a catcher, when the fielder moves back for a ball, you swing one way or the other depending on the direction of fielder and s/he is by you in the first step.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

...The reason you want to be close to a fielder is to avoid them when s/he reacts they react to a batted ball. Like a PU and a catcher, when the fielder moves back for a ball, you swing one way or the other depending on the direction of fielder and s/he is they are by you in the first step.

You're slipping, Mike!

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Dakota

You're slipping, Mike!

He IS slipping. I m concerned that his advanced age is catching up to him....

[CecilOne]

At least HE addressed the question!
Maybe because he is instinctively an evaluator and teacher.

[EsqUmp]

It's stupid to use terms like "off the shoulder." Use a distance between the bases as a guide and a distance behind the fielder.

Does every mechanic need an asterisk that reads, "Obviously, if a player is in your way, don't be an idiot; find another nearby reasonable place to set up?"

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

It's stupid to use terms like "off the shoulder."

Not really, unless it is the type of umpire who needs an asterisk as noted below.

Use a distance between the bases as a guide and a distance behind the fielder.

Does every mechanic need an asterisk that reads, "Obviously, if a player is in your way, don't be an idiot; find another nearby reasonable place to set up?"

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Not really, unless it is the type of umpire who needs an asterisk as noted below.

It's better to use constant references than it is variables. That's all.