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.