Base Umpire 2 man
 

Just curious. A while ago I read in here (I think) about some organizations using a mechanic where the base umpire starts in the so-called B slot, even when there is no one on base. As I am nearing the end of my umpiring career, I thought I'd give it a try in the JV games that I am getting these days. I like it a lot. It saves a lot of my energy for situations that require me to have to move more quickly. Most of my calls at 1st are quite routine and I'm right in position to call them w/o having to move much. Has anyone else tried it or (perish the thought that we change anything) adopted it?

It was adopted for SP by ASA; and possibly later reversed.

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.:cool:

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

Never said it had to be intentional.

It is still an optional Mechanic for men's ball in NAFA

What's NAFA? Only NAFA I know of is north American Fur Auctions

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.

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