I have seen a couple of suggestions for manuevering around first base to make a call. Where do you think is the best position for the PU when making a call at first base?

I would guess you mean in 1 man - right around the pitchers circle is my prefered spot, but that could change depending on where runners are, where ball is hit or if D3K, how def and off players are moving.. etc.

If there are no other runners on base then I try to get inside the foul line and as far as I can down the line behind the runner. Of course the angle I get will depend on where the throw is coming from, can I stay out of the way and still see the play. Since I only work slowpitch, I don't have to worry about bunts or D3K. If there are other runners, then you have to determine where you can get that gives you the best angle to see the play and first and still cover anything else that may happen. This is usually out by the pitchers plate, but sometimes this puts you too much in the way. The last thing I want is to be a part of the play.

When working alone, with no one on base, I come out from behind the plate and follow the batter up the line to within 8'-10' of first and around the infield if more than a single. With runners on, I usually go to the mound area and follow the lead runner unless the play is made to another base. You have to hustle!

If working alone, DO NOT FOLLOW THE BR! Head toward the middle of the field. Get as far as you can without moving into the throwing lanes and toward the right side. You want to get an open angle to see the play. You will not get that following the BR.

When the fielder prepares to throw the ball, come to a complete stop and watch the release. See the play, make the call.

Do not get too close to play and be prepared to take the runner to 2nd, 3rd, etc.

Thanks Mike - I may have been doing it wrong. The 1st clinic I ever went to really emphasized hustling out from behind the plate and getting out to make the call. They really worked on getting out to make calls at 2nd. I took that same philosophy toward first, hustle out and get as close as you can. I'm not all that fast, but I usually can get to 20 feet away and about 6-8 feet from the base line. I can see that if the runner goes to 2nd on an overthrow or something that you've put yourself in a bad spot if your too close to 1st base. If you had to guess how far would you be from the base line and up the line?

I can't wait to try out these suggestions. I often get flack from the players after my calls, no matter what they are. I figured I needed a better position, or maybe a better sell technique. Any good ideas for selling?

i'm not sure how much flack i'll get for this.. on a super close play at 1st.. the benefit of the doubt goes to defense. Dont try to sell a safe.. its out.

wait a second to see if the ball rolls out or pulled foot or other oddity, and throw it and yell she's out.

if its a jump bobble or goof up at 1st.. on a super close one its safe.

but pretty much clean fielded toss but fast play..out.


Thats it end of story.

It IS the close plays at first that cause the most screaming. Your advice sounds great to me. I am printing out this whole page.

Just don't show it to a coach telling him that these are the reasons
for calling his runner out. :D

[Edited by whiskers_ump on Apr 28th, 2005 at 09:11 AM]

Wow, I feel for you. If I got flack for every other call I know it would take all the joy from umpiring. You need to work on positioning and call what you see but I think I'd let each coach know that you won't put up with his team fussing calls. They need to "play ball". The reason they fuss about calls is because you let them. JMO

The reason they fuss about calls is because you let them. JMO [/B][/QUOTE]

You are right about that. I am still working on the authority aspect of umpiring. Haven't ejected anybody yet either.

No no no.. never tell the coach.. just tell em its out.

"tie base goes to the runner" ya know.

Ring that sucker up.

No no no.. never tell the coach.. just tell em its out.

"tie base goes to the runner" ya know.

Ring that sucker up.
__________________
FED/ASA/LL

Yes, I have heard that when it comes to calls anywhere on the field, the less said about it the better. Thanks, everyone. This is a really great forum.

Bang-Bang Rule:

Defense makes a clean pickup, throw, and catch - runner OUT.

Defense bobbles the pickup, muffs the throw, or pulls F3 - runner SAFE.

MOST OF ALL BE CONSISTENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SELL YOUR BANG BANG CALLS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAVE FUN!