Umpiring Positioning and Calls.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Of course this is a difficult call. It is probably the most difficult call on the field, and there really isn't much you can do about it.

For all the people telling you to anticipate the play, there is still little you can do if it is an immediate snap throw from the catcher. If you walk toward that play on every pitch, you will walk into the shortstop covering a snap throw through to second, at some point. To the right of F6 gives you a little better angle to 1B, but takes you away from the same snap pickoff play at 2B. The suggestion that B is better, and let PU take steals of third makes no sense, since PU will never be able to call a fadeaway slide to the outfield side of 3B from 60 feet away.

So, what do you do? Exactly what you did. Make your best call, don't guess an out, and go for help when you know you really didn't see it. In fact, the NCAA MANDATES going for help on a pickoff at 1B or 3B if EITHER coach requests, simply because this play just can't be seen well in 2 man mechanics. Then, have your discussion on this play in a private conversation, not the "across the field" ask for help. If PU refuses to help, or makes a public announcement like you stated, you have no choice but to stay with your call. After the game, tell your assignor that you will not work with that umpire again; if you are going to work alone, you might as well be alone.