Need suggestions

[mcrowder]

If you're working with a new partner and have not discussed this sitch, you had better go as Mike and Steve have said, or you may end up with 2 umpires at the same base (or none where one is needed!) This (and similar sitches) is one where discussion in pregame is helpful - and I have seen deviations that work, if discussed in advance.

All I can add to Mike and Steve's input is that as PU is coming home for the play at the plate, BU should be sliding toward third behind the play, in case this becomes a rundown. Next to having 0 or 2 umpires on a play, the worst thing that can happen on a weird play is for an umpire to be stuck with both ends of a rundown, and another umpire doing nothing.

[SC Ump]

When I am the PU, here is part of my pre-game with my partner before we get on the field:

"If there is only a runner at first, and you are in the B position, if there is a steal or a bunt and the runner for first tries for 3rd, I am going to be there ready to take the play at third. You can release the runner to me. If for some reason, there is a passed ball, and the runner from first tries to go for 3rd, I know it's my call, but try to be there in case I get tangled up behind the catcher and can't get down to third."

Every so often, I will get a umpire that lets me know if I go to third, he will plan to go home. I tell him, no - - - once he releases that runner to me at third, I will have the plays from there.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

Every so often, I will get a umpire that lets me know if I go to third, he will plan to go home. I tell him, no - - - once he releases that runner to me at third, I will have the plays from there.

And who is covering the trail runner at 2B?

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And who is covering the trail runner at 2B?

When they say this, I have realized they were talking about steals or situations where the BR was put out. If the BR arrives at 1st safely on a bunt, the BU is "stuck" at covering his bases and can't cover home... as he should not be planning to do in any cases.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

When they say this, I have realized they were talking about steals or situations where the BR was put out. If the BR arrives at 1st safely on a bunt, the BU is "stuck" at covering his bases and can't cover home... as he should not be planning to do in any cases.

This is true, but at no time do the mechanics ever suggest the BU head home. What happens if, in this scenario, the throw to 3B is a good throw and R1 pulls up and tries to return to 2B? More than like, if the BU is going to cover the plate, they're already heading that way.

The PU, if using the proper mechanics, should be in perfect position to cover 3B and home.

[Antonella]

Learned a lot from ALL of you...
I cannot say how much I'm grateful this site exists.

Thank you everybody.

Ciao!