ASA 3-ump - Walk the line?

[Angler]

ASA mechanics 3-ump system. When do base umpires walk the line? I've been given conflicting info from very good umpires:

a. Never with ANY runners on base (so 3U would NOT walk the line with a runner on 2nd, and 1U would NOT walk the line with runner on 3rd) OR

b. Only when there's not a runner at your base (so 3U WOULD walk the line with a runner on 2nd and U1 WOULD walk the line with a runner on 3rd only)

Thanks for your thoughts.

[RKBUmp]

Cant say if this matches ASA exactly, but just got back from the NFHS 3 man clinic this afternoon. According to the class, you only walk the line with no runners on. Anytime a runner or runners on base both umpires go to set position.

[AtlUmpSteve]

You would NOT walk as U3 with a runner on second; while you aren't responsible for a runner on your base, you have one coming to you, so you set. With 1st and 2nd, you also have runner leaving early responsibility at 1st; another reason to set.

Unless it has changed recently, it has been considered optional for U1 to walk or to set with a single runner at 3rd. That is the ONLY time you would possibly walk except for bases empty. It is my observation that, the option stated aside, that most UIC's prefer that both base umpires set in that case, and every other (as required) where there are any baserunners; and that both base umpires walk with bases empty.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

You would NOT walk as U3 with a runner on second; while you aren't responsible for a runner on your base, you have one coming to you, so you set. With 1st and 2nd, you also have runner leaving early responsibility at 1st; another reason to set.

Unless it has changed recently, it has been considered optional for U1 to walk or to set with a single runner at 3rd. That is the ONLY time you would possibly walk except for bases empty. It is my observation that, the option stated aside, that most UIC's prefer that both base umpires set in that case, and every other (as required) where there are any baserunners; and that both base umpires walk with bases empty.

Not that I legislate any rules, but I think it would be more consistent that both base umpires do the same thing on the field. So w/ bases empty, walk; w/ any runner(s), set. Having one walking and one setting might look a bit odd to an observer.

Ted

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Not that I legislate any rules, but I think it would be more consistent that both base umpires do the same thing on the field. So w/ bases empty, walk; w/ any runner(s), set. Having one walking and one setting might look a bit odd to an observer.

Ted

Why would anyone, including the observer, care?

The purpose of walking the line is keep the umpire on their toes, so to speak, and to enable him/her to be in fluent, ready position to react and move to where they need to be.

Until nominated as an Olympic event, I think we should avoid Synchronized Umpiring as a game plan at all costs. We got away from it about two decades ago and I think we should stay as far away as possible. Umpires have more important tasks than to worry about mirroring their partners.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Why would anyone, including the observer, care?

The purpose of walking the line is keep the umpire on their toes, so to speak, and to enable him/her to be in fluent, ready position to react and move to where they need to be.

Until nominated as an Olympic event, I think we should avoid Synchronized Umpiring as a game plan at all costs. We got away from it about two decades ago and I think we should stay as far away as possible. Umpires have more important tasks than to worry about mirroring their partners.

'Cuz the observer might consider such un-synchronized activities to be capricious, random movements by a team of highly untrained mercenaries?

I can go either way, but if forced to watch something, I'd opt for the synchronized umpiring over somebody's kids playing herd-ball soccer.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Not that I legislate any rules, but I think it would be more consistent that both base umpires do the same thing on the field. So w/ bases empty, walk; w/ any runner(s), set. Having one walking and one setting might look a bit odd to an observer.

Ted

Sorry for my long silence, but I'm uh... on another continent right now. Specifically, South America, and more specifically, in Argentina. Yes, really. LOVE IT!

Personally, I don't like "walking the line." I just don't think it serves much purpose. If you need something prescribed to you like that to keep yourself in the game, then you need to rethink your umpiring goals.

However, with respect to the suggestion that it may look "odd" for one umpire to walk the line and another to not walk the line, I simply shrug my shoulders, as most spectators are never really watching the umpires anyway... except other umpires.

Okay, back to some awesome churrascos and empanadas. I think I've had beer with almost every meal since I got here. Pictures will follow on my personal website and on facebook.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Personally, I don't like "walking the line." I just don't think it serves much purpose. If you need something prescribed to you like that to keep yourself in the game, then you need to rethink your umpiring goals.

Well, that is not the point of the mechanic. Then again, I don't see why anyone would have an issue with an umpire taking A STEP, two at the most. It WILL keep you on your toes, allow you to avoid being hit and allow you to move into position in a quicker and more efficient manner. But if that doesn't interest the umpire, just stand there

[Stu Clary]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Not that I legislate any rules, but I think it would be more consistent that both base umpires do the same thing on the field. So w/ bases empty, walk; w/ any runner(s), set. Having one walking and one setting might look a bit odd to an observer.

Ted

I know it's apples and oranges, but I have noticed that, in MLB games, 1B umpires walk the line and the 3B ump does not.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

I know it's apples and oranges, but I have noticed that, in MLB games, 1B umpires walk the line and the 3B ump does not.

The couple of MLB games I have seen this year had neither umpire walking but in a set position with the corners facing each other, turning their heads toward the plate and almost leaning in that direction.