Calling from the circle

[FUBLUE]

Originally posted by Ref Ump Welsch
FUBLUE, I'd have to disagree with you about going solo behind the plate in baseball. The pickoffs by the pitchers can be a ***** from behind the plate.

NOw that I think about it, that would be tough at second and third. Plate umpire can have a good view at first, actually better than plate umpire...I always wanted that call as a plate umpire in baseball, but everyone I ever worked with wanted to take it on the bases. But they sure were willing to defer to me on a pulled foot, even if they were in position to see it...seems like a way out of conflict.

I actually worked a JV baseball game this weekend solo...it wasn't bad at all. Pick offs were tough...got a lot of "But the ball beat him there" from the coaches. THAT'S GREAT BUT IF I DON'T SEE THE OUT, I CAN'T CALL IT!

Same as for softball, it's all about getting an angle on the play.