Pick-off attempt at 1st , mechanics question

[chuck chopper]

If base Ump is over by SS because of a runner at 3rd and catcher throws to first..who has the call ?

[SamNVa]

Chuck,

A couple of years ago, my association adopted the mechanic of having the PU take tht call it seems to work well for us. just make sure that you go over it in your pregame.

SamC

[JEL]

This should be covered in pre-game, but rarely is. We give that call to the BU, reasoning, as catcher comes up, she may blok PU's view. Distance to play is about the same, angle from PU may have a better angle. Also BU should take first play on infield, that would be it. The Blues I work with all do well together and will "defer" to partner as needed.

Did a 3 man state playoff recently and had play at 3B. PU was coming up to take call as had been discussed in pre-game, I followed play down and had clear view. PU, unsure of call, points at me and calls my name. I made the call and we never missed a beat.

Our pre-game for these games was a 1 hour drive to the school, and another hour or so in the locker room. Pre-game discussions really are important, they will keep you out of some trouble.

[Steve M]

Chuck,
That call belongs to the BU. Make the call.

I know some local associations prefer that the PU take that call and I disagree with them. BU should be making that call. I'm one of those who sez that there is a good reason for standardized mechanics, use them.

[whiskers_ump]

I agree with Steve. Definately BU's call, but if possible get in a
good position to watch the play and also be ready in the event the
runner on 3rd tries to come on to HP. Just this past week, I
saw an umpire drift towards 1B to the outside on a snap throw to
1B, with runner on 3rd. F3 caught the ball and quickly fired it
towards HP to try and retire advancing runner from 3rd. PU had stepped
back inside slightly, and the ball hit him in the back of the head.
Umpire interference? NO, just bad mechanics on this play, IMHO.

[whiskers_ump]

I agree with Steve. Definately BU's call, but if possible get in a
good position to watch the play and also be ready in the event the
runner on 3rd tries to come on to HP. Just this past week, I
saw an umpire drift towards 1B to the outside on a snap throw to
1B, with runner on 3rd. F3 caught the ball and quickly fired it
towards HP to try and retire advancing runner from 3rd. PU had stepped
back inside slightly, and the ball hit him in the back of the head.
Umpire interference? NO, just bad mechanics on this play, IMHO.

[TexBlue]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
I agree with Steve. Definately BU's call, but if possible get in a
good position to watch the play and also be ready in the event the
runner on 3rd tries to come on to HP. Just this past week, I
saw an umpire drift towards 1B to the outside on a snap throw to
1B, with runner on 3rd. F3 caught the ball and quickly fired it
towards HP to try and retire advancing runner from 3rd. PU had stepped
back inside slightly, and the ball hit him in the back of the head.
Umpire interference? NO, just bad mechanics on this play, IMHO.

Glen, didn't I just read this somewhere?

[whiskers_ump]

Wow, hate double posts....Guess it is all the storms we have
been getting all day.

BTW Rick, he is not one of the guys coming to the tournament with
us.

[Steve M]

Double post for bad mechanics twice, maybe? Shouldn't oughta been there in the first place, and then to turn his back on the ball........... Bet he learned something that day - or at least, he should have learned something.

[whiskers_ump]

I hope he did Steve. Rick does too, cause he has to work
with him week after next....

J/K'ing Rick.

[kellerumps]

Book says it is the base umpires call....So I am going to make it. If there is any doubt in my mind, then I will not hesitate to go to my partner if the coaches asks.

I understand why people want the plate to make it, and I agree....however, the book says it's the BU's.