Working the Rim

[AtlUmpSteve]

Pretty much, yes, except for the line drive to right with no one on and possible play at first mentioned above, you mostly disregard the inside-outside theory.

The rule of thumb is to default to staying out, unless coming in generates a clear advantage (like covering batter-runner to third). With most situations, inside and in a calling position and depth too often puts you in a possible throwing lane; to every 90 to a base you see, the opposite and equal 90/270 exists without being in a throwing lane or cutting across defensive players moving to cutoff positions.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Let me also add:

Politically correct, and PC-sensitive trained individuals, like the NCAA, do NOT use the term in your thread subject, as it has other possible meanings considered inappropriate for general conversation when partially overheard and/or taken out of context.

Just as softball does not have a "rubber" as a rule book term, and a pitcher's plate instead, this mechanic and technique is called "working the outside". Just sayin'........

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Pretty much, yes, except for the line drive to right with no one on and possible play at first mentioned above, you mostly disregard the inside-outside theory.

The rule of thumb is to default to staying out, unless coming in generates a clear advantage (like covering batter-runner to third). With most situations, inside and in a calling position and depth too often puts you in a possible throwing lane; to every 90 to a base you see, the opposite and equal 90/270 exists without being in a throwing lane or cutting across defensive players moving to cutoff positions.

Just piggybacking on Steve's note: while you default to staying outside, it doesn't mean to NEVER come inside. When NCAA first allowed working outside, some umpires heard "stay outside." This created problems, some which haven't been resolved (but that's a total different thread for another time).

What you need to do work inside or outside depending on what is the best for each play; meaning to read each play as it happens. If you (plural) start to default to "If this/then that" then you (plural) are not going to be effective umpires.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

Just piggybacking on Steve's note: while you default to staying outside, it doesn't mean to NEVER come inside. When NCAA first allowed working outside, some umpires heard "stay outside." This created problems, some which haven't been resolved (but that's a total different thread for another time).

Oh, man! You take all the fun out of things

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Oh, man! You take all the fun out of things

It's what I do. You've never been to one of my clinics - fun is no where to be found.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

It's what I do. You've never been to one of my clinics - fun is no where to be found.

You must be the yin to Luau's yang

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You must be the yin to Luau's yang

Well, when he and I stand side by side, there is contrast.