Base Umpire 2 man

[SWFLguy]

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?

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

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.

[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?

[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.