Cecil, I know you know this, but: If U3 is at 2nd, we have R1. With no chase, PU should rotate to 3B for a potential play, U1 should rotate home if PU goes to 3rd, and U3 should pick up the batter-runner and R1 if she stop at 2B. It is not expected that U3 should have to make a call at 3B. We always want to rotate in the opposite direction of the base runners.

Now, is it possible that the plate umpire falls down, and U3 reads this and deviates to make the call? Yes, and that is an appropriate time for U3 to bust a*s and get the best possible angle. U1 is too far away to have credibility here.

My Google-fu is weak this morning, but somewhere out on Youtube there is a video of HP umpire Mike Bartling making a call on the batter-runner at 2B. Find that one in the manual. :D

I was pretty sure of that, but I have not been U3 for a while and want to get all of it in my head. :cool:

There are a couple of possible reasons for this to happen.

In 2 man, if the BU stays foul ground on a play on the BR at 1st, and the ball gets by, PU is expected to bust up the middle to take 2nd.

In 3 man, if both U1 and U3 chase, or if U3 chases but U1 gets pinned, then, again, a good PU will pick up the BR at 2nd.

MB would certainly fit the description of a good PU.

Is that in all sanctions?

IMO, yes, it's just good crew teamwork. Of course, ASA/USA mechanics indicate that if the base umpire in 2-man goes to foul ground for a call at 1B, Cthulhu will emerge from his watery lair and spread madness over the face of the earth. :D I kid, I kid....kind of.

I meant, by the book! :rolleyes:

By the book, USA/ASA doesn't acknowledge that a BU might EVER need to stay foul ground to avoid interfering with a play at 1st, or to see the play develop; therefore, there is no approved mechanic to address that.

Now, having said that, if it actually happens, PU would get great kudos for covering 2nd as an adjustment.

NCAA makes it a standard coverage if/when it happens (with a perceived higher level BU making the decision to stay foul ground, mind you). I would expect MB to react on that basis, no matter what the game on YouTube represented.

As I thought and why I asked.

As does USSSA.