base umpire positioning

[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.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

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

Disagree. The entire game is based on variables and the umpire must adjust to the fielders, not the other way around. And for the reasons posted earlier, I would always keep the umpire near a fielder when possible.

As a batter, I loved it when the umpire would position him/herself in a hole. I would use that umpire as a target and try to put the ball right in his/her face and hope s/he would get out of the way as I knew that would be a base hit.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

As a batter, I loved it when the umpire would position him/herself in a hole. I would use that umpire as a target and try to put the ball right in his/her face and hope s/he would get out of the way as I knew that would be a base hit.

Mad skills, man.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Mad skills, man.

Didn't say I was good at it

[CecilOne]

Are Irish's comments the consensus about my OP question; regarding teaching and evaluation?

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Disagree. The entire game is based on variables and the umpire must adjust to the fielders, not the other way around. And for the reasons posted earlier, I would always keep the umpire near a fielder when possible.

As a batter, I loved it when the umpire would position him/herself in a hole. I would use that umpire as a target and try to put the ball right in his/her face and hope s/he would get out of the way as I knew that would be a base hit.

The bases are constant. That makes it easier to give a description. Then people also don't take this so literally.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

The bases are constant. That makes it easier to give a description. Then people also don't take this so literally.

However, the location & actions of the runners & fielders and direction & progress of a batted ball are not and sometimes change by the play or by the second.

[CecilOne]

First scrimmage, first inning, both F4 and F6 being literal about "middle infielders".
Both within 10-15 from HP-2nd line and 10 - 15 feet back from base line.
From behind them, no way to reasonably cover a pick at 1st or a steal at 3rd.