base mechanics

[bigwally]

"Not necessarily true. I can move and turn my head at the same time"

As we all know that is an awkward running position and why should you have to when the base umpire has all of this in front of him?




"The BU isn't going to realize s/he needs to cover 3B until the runner has two steps in that direction and will never outrun the player."

Most of the time the runner isnt going to make a move to third until s/he slides or slows up coming into second, giving the BU even more of a jump ahad. Any experienced umpire is going to realize s/he is possibly going to need to cover third as soon as the ball gets passed the catcher. Anticipation is part of umpiring and so is hustling. Using these two tools , you wont be as far behind the runner as you think when you set up for your call

And since none of this is covered in the book it is, in fact, opinion. Pregame it and do whats best for you when the situation arises

[MT 73]

I keep my eye on the ball while working my way to the library and observe the action from there.
I stay in foul ball territory and only break into fair ground when a play seems imminent.
When in position I track the ball and let it lead me to the play.
In other words I never lose sight of the ball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I keep my eye on the ball while working my way to the library and observe the action from there.
I stay in foul ball territory and only break into fair ground when a play seems imminent.
When in position I track the ball and let it lead me to the play.
In other words I never lose sight of the ball.

So you don't watch the players and what they are supposed to do? Focus on the ball is overrated.

[MT 73]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So you don't watch the players and what they are supposed to do? Focus on the ball is overrated.

It is called the library because you are reading the action, just as you would from point extended.
But you are in a position to move into 3rd or back to the plate.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MT 73

It is called the library because you are reading the action, just as you would from point extended.
But you are in a position to move into 3rd or back to the plate.

Thank you, but I wasn't referring to that, but what I believe is your over-dedication to the ball. Maybe not YOUR over-dedication, but many umpires as a group.

[bigwally]

How can you "jump ahead" when doing so is going to put you in between the ball and a possible throw to 2B?

This woudn"t happen. Do you think I"m talking about cutting in front of 2nd base? I'm not. I can only suppose that I'm not giving a good explanation of what I mean as I'm surprised that your'e not visualizing the mechanic. I guess my question to you would be this. How have you, in the past, covered 3rd base as the BU when the PU for one of several very good reasons couldnt get there?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bigwally

How can you "jump ahead" when doing so is going to put you in between the ball and a possible throw to 2B?

This woudn"t happen. Do you think I"m talking about cutting in front of 2nd base? I'm not. I can only suppose that I'm not giving a good explanation of what I mean as I'm surprised that your'e not visualizing the mechanic. I guess my question to you would be this. How have you, in the past, covered 3rd base as the BU when the PU for one of several very good reasons couldnt get there?

Long distance

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bigwally

As we all know that is an awkward running position and why should you have to when the base umpire has all of this in front of him?

Actually, it is not and because the BU isn't going to be able to get into position to make that call. You know, there is a reason the PU has 3B on steals in a SP game.

Most of the time the runner isnt going to make a move to third until s/he slides or slows up coming into second, giving the BU even more of a jump ahead. Any experienced umpire is going to realize s/he is possibly going to need to cover third as soon as the ball gets passed the catcher. Anticipation is part of umpiring and so is hustling. Using these two tools , you wont be as far behind the runner as you think when you set up for your call

How can you "jump ahead" when doing so is going to put you in between the ball and a possible throw to 2B? IMO, any PU who is on the ball and hustles will always have a much better chance of getting a good look at this play.

And since none of this is covered in the book it is, in fact, opinion. Pregame it and do whats best for you when the situation arises

You might want to check teebob's post (#12) from last Monday