Base Umpire 2 man

[tcannizzo]

I have used it in FP, especially during summer showcase tournaments where we were doing 6-7 games in a day. Of course, I discussed it in pre-game with partner to make sure they didn't have a problem with it. Called it my modified base mechanics for survival mode.

It definitely is an energy saver, not having to get back all the way over to A.

[Big Slick]

That is still an ASA 2 umpire slow pitch mechanic.

At one time, it was an optimal mechanic for NCAA two umpire. It is no longer an option in NCAA.

[AtlUmpSteve]

My opinion is that, while it is a real step-saver, it effectively writes off any realistic possibility of monitoring illegal pitches related to contact with the pitcher's plate; either the stride foot not in contact with the back, or the pivot foot sliding off the front. So, effective only if 1) all pitchers are completely legal relative to those issues, or 2) the showcase you are working doesn't want those called even if they exist.

[youngump]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

My opinion is that, while it is a real step-saver, it effectively writes off any realistic possibility of monitoring illegal pitches related to contact with the pitcher's plate; either the stride foot not in contact with the back, or the pivot foot sliding off the front. So, effective only if 1) all pitchers are completely legal relative to those issues, or 2) the showcase you are working doesn't want those called even if they exist.

But then you have the same effect when you have runners on, no?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by youngump

But then you have the same effect when you have runners on, no?

Correct, which is why many pitchers who cheat will adjust their footwork once a runner reaches 1B

[SWFLguy]

Like I said, these are JV games. The girls are lucky if they know how to pitch at all, let alone be able to change their style based on where the base umpire is positioned. If I didn't have health issues and was working top level high school varsity games, college ball or men's ASA, I don't think I'd be doing this.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

Like I said, these are JV games. The girls are lucky if they know how to pitch at all, let alone be able to change their style based on where the base umpire is positioned. If I didn't have health issues and was working top level high school varsity games, college ball or men's ASA, I don't think I'd be doing this.

Never said it had to be intentional.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

That is still an ASA 2 umpire slow pitch mechanic.

At one time, it was an optimal mechanic for NCAA two umpire. It is no longer an option in NCAA.

Oh, it was NCAA I was thinking about, forgetting I don't care anymore.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

ASA tried that mechanic for Modified FP about....a long time ago- 25 years or so. Only lasted at most a couple of years.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

ASA tried that mechanic for Modified FP about....a long time ago- 25 years or so. Only lasted at most a couple of years.

It was late 90's/early 2000's and it was being championed by a certain member of the National Umpire Staff at that time. To the best of my recollection, the other members of the NUS weren't too keen on it and is slowly faded away.

I'm not surprised it is optional for NAFA as I believe that same former NUS member with ASA is now involved with NAFA.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Andy

It was late 90's/early 2000's and it was being championed by a certain member of the National Umpire Staff at that time.

Was that the MP position intended to see the pitcher's arm better, to catch sidearm deliveries?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Was that the MP position intended to see the pitcher's arm better, to catch sidearm deliveries?

That's what we were told...

[SE Minnestoa Re]

My NCAA association tried it for a couple of years. It was dispensed of and we went back to working at A unless there is a base runner.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Andy

It was late 90's/early 2000's and it was being championed by a certain member of the National Umpire Staff at that time. To the best of my recollection, the other members of the NUS weren't too keen on it and is slowly faded away.

I'm not surprised it is optional for NAFA as I believe that same former NUS member with ASA is now involved with NAFA.

I should also come as no surprise that it is still an accepted alternative in all girls fastpitch sanctioning organizations in that former NUS member's home state!

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Andy

It was late 90's/early 2000's and it was being championed by a certain member of the National Umpire Staff at that time. To the best of my recollection, the other members of the NUS weren't too keen on it and is slowly faded away.

I'm not surprised it is optional for NAFA as I believe that same former NUS member with ASA is now involved with NAFA.

That said, he (BP) was an exceptional clinician, he just didn't toe the line in the "one size fits all when we teach 50,000 umpires" philosophy. I can say without hesitation I learned a great deal from him, among others (some more generally accepted, some less). BP wasn't ashamed to talk about advanced mechanics for advanced umpires, when that was considered an unacceptable heresy.

And, as I recall, he had both hip and knee issues, and was dedicated to adopting mechanics with less physical demands. We endorse the EA suggestion that all mechanics are trade-offs, yet some mechanics aren't accepted when they benefit certain groups.

Again, I don't like this one, because I don't agree with that what is lost is less important to the game. But I do support making adjustments that are advantageous, even if not "the manual" or the "DVD".