3 umpire situation

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Big Slick

Yes, I have a thought.

We need to start teaching umpire to read the FIELDERS for chase situations instead of the "ball." If U3 has focused on F6 (eyes on the field), she would had seen how the play was developing and that no chase was required (and then moved to a position at second in case the ball was dropped). Trying to "guess the play by reading the ball" with her eyes skyward leads to bad reads.

This is akin to PU reading the catcher of fly balls around the plate. If PU "looks up," then there is a danger of being run over by the catcher.

I very much teach umpires to read players and not the ball for all chase situations. The only exception is when there is a question of fair/foul on a home run, as you then have to shift your focus to when the ball clears the fence. This also helps to decide who's chase area the ball is in by watching the fielder go into the chase area.

This also helps PU who doesn't work much 3 umpire because now their eyes are focused on the field. Their partners are now within the visual range. I tell people the best way to develop this skill is by working slow pitch, where there are more opportunities for fly balls.

If you want, we can discuss this theory more this summer, maybe in the mid-west, over a plate of ribs (and yes, I will be there the entire week this time).

Therefore, as to your particular play, U3 should be moving towards second by being mindful of F6 catching the ball and then not being in any throwing lane when she passes F6 (maybe a "deeper" path is optional).

1) I recognize you have better knowledge of this than I do, but don't we have to read the ball to see if it really should be chased?

2) Also, once the U3 turned outward, shouldn't the PU yield to U3 for the call?

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

1) I recognize you have better knowledge of this than I do, but don't we have to read the ball to see if it really should be chased?

Well, yes and no. You read the ball off the bat, as that gives you indication of location. In the case presented, U3 can read the ball off the bat as "in the air, towards left" and the picked up which fielder.

For another example, ball hit in the air to center. U1 has "first right of refusal" and then let F8 break the tie: does F8 move a step to her right (then U3 should chase) or stay still/move to her left (U1).

Basically, it is not just a "reaction to the hit" (which happened in the OP), but reading what actually is happening.

2) Also, once the U3 turned outward, shouldn't the PU yield to U3 for the call?

If U3 communicated the chase, then yes. If any communication was present, Andy didn't say. But if U1 or U3 communicate the chase, then chase. And I have seen a chase where the ball was blown back into the infield.

[IRISHMAFIA]

As I realized at about the age of 10, the fielder will guide you to the ball.

What brought me to this revelation at such a young age? Going to pro baseball games and hearing the crowd "oooohh!" and "aaaahh!" at the big swing and loud crack of the bat only to see the infielder set up under and catch the pop-up.

[mini rant]This is also why I am not a big fan of those who insist it is necessary to watch the ball at all costs. Who cares that an umpire takes his/her eyes off a bounding ball in the outfield to monitor runners and infielders doing what they do?[/mini rant]

[3afan]

Half the time I don't see the ball .. I have to use the fielders! :-)

[Tru_in_Blu]

Discussion on this situation...3-umpire system.

Runner on third base only and there is a base hit to the outfield, whose responsibility is it to cover BR at home plate?

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Discussion on this situation...3-umpire system.

Runner on third base only and there is a base hit to the outfield, whose responsibility is it to cover BR at home plate?

U1, assuming your question involves no umpire chasing.

Since this is standard starting positioning, U3 would rotate to second, U1 would buttonhook and watch BR at first. PU would watch R1 touch home while moving toward a calling position at third. PU needs to communicate when he arrives at third.

As BR touches second and moves to third, U1 would rotate home, communicating that he is covering home.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Thank you, Slick. That is exactly my thinking. Actually, not even my thinking, it's right out of the mechanics.

We were told that the Plate Umpire would make the call.