Working the rim

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Cecil,
When I work the rim, a double is the maximum I expect the BR to get, most stop at 1B. So,
1-I easily get a 90-degree for the tag play at 2B.

No easier than if from the inside if the umpire is doing his/her job.

2-I'm not expecting BR to go to 3B and if she does and my PU partner does not get to 3B, I really have to move quickly to get there.

And then you have an issue if the ball gets passed F5. Seems to me it is much easier to keep the PU one base ahead of the runner.

3-see #1

See response to #1.

4-good question - this method does have the advantage of never having to turn to pick up either BR or the ball. When the BR does stop at 1B, I'm already at my starting position for the next pitch.

Yeah, IF the ball is to LF with no one on. Very situational that allows for around 10% of all possible action with a batted ball to any part of the outfield by any one batter.

BTW, I have worked this system for Billy P. We were all introduced to it less than 4 hours prior to the first game on which I had 1B at the Men's Major. After about 2 innings the crew had an impromptu meeting in the infield and agreed to go back to the standard ASA mechanics. By the next day, it was a piece of cake WITH A 3-UMPIRE CREW. I would not suggest it for a 2-umpire adult game.

As it was presented to us, it is a mechanic that should be used at the advanced level by advanced umpires, not necessarily as the default for all.