Tagup Responsibilities

[Tru_in_Blu]

I've had the same issues w/ tagup responsibilities w/ runner on 1B.

Virtually any line drive to an outfielder doesn't give me time to come inside while also trying to watch both catch and tag at the same time.

I usually try to anticipate if the runner at 1B is even fast enough to attempt a tagup and try to get to 2B. Most are not and simply just take a few steps off the base anticipating the ball will be caught.

On a high, deep drive, the runner will likely be playing it halfway or more thinking the ball will not be caught.

I've done my share of head-swiveling on some of those plays 90% of the time outside the diamond.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I've had the same issues w/ tagup responsibilities w/ runner on 1B.

Virtually any line drive to an outfielder doesn't give me time to come inside while also trying to watch both catch and tag at the same time.

I usually try to anticipate if the runner at 1B is even fast enough to attempt a tagup and try to get to 2B. Most are not and simply just take a few steps off the base anticipating the ball will be caught.

On a high, deep drive, the runner will likely be playing it halfway or more thinking the ball will not be caught.

I've done my share of head-swiveling on some of those plays 90% of the time outside the diamond.

Only two options on this one: haul a$$ and get inside (and risk not seeing the catch/tag-up), or stay out, watch the catch/tag-up, and then move to 2B on the outside. It doesn't "look as good," but in all honesty, you have a better chance at seeing what you need to see on a ball hit towards the left field line.

Obviously, ASA does not like the latter option, nor would I recommend it for anything other than rec league games. It's a simple matter of survival.

A ball hit to right field, on the other hand, doesn't pose quite the same problem. You're better off buttonhooking in and getting the 4 elements in front of you. Now where have I heard that one before?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Only two options on this one: haul a$$ and get inside (and risk not seeing the catch/tag-up), or stay out, watch the catch/tag-up, and then move to 2B on the outside. It doesn't "look as good," but in all honesty, you have a better chance at seeing what you need to see on a ball hit towards the left field line.

Obviously, ASA does not like the latter option, nor would I recommend it for anything other than rec league games. It's a simple matter of survival.

A ball hit to right field, on the other hand, doesn't pose quite the same problem. You're better off buttonhooking in and getting the 4 elements in front of you. Now where have I heard that one before?

These days, hauling a$$ takes two trips.

But I still do better than many guys who just plant themselves in "B", make a call on a runner sliding into second base from there, and then ask me if I saw anything different. Well, if'n I was working a one-man game, I might have been closer than he was when he made the call.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

These days, hauling a$$ takes two trips.

But I still do better than many guys who just plant themselves in "B", make a call on a runner sliding into second base from there, and then ask me if I saw anything different. Well, if'n I was working a one-man game, I might have been closer than he was when he made the call.

And ironically, my understanding of why they're having us start in B was that guys were having troubles getting there from the line. So great, now that they're there, they're still having troubles moving. Granted, they have to move less, but they're still having troubles.

[outathm]

NO moving and having trouble moving are two different things. Your staring position is never your calling position in 2 umpires system. If you are a lazy umpire this is not true, no matter where you start.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by outathm

NO moving and having trouble moving are two different things. Your staring position is never your calling position in 2 umpires system. If you are a lazy umpire this is not true, no matter where you start.

Don't you know it's impolite to stare... hot moms notwithstanding.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Don't you know it's impolite to stare... hot moms notwithstanding.

The count's gone up...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

And ironically, my understanding of why they're having us start in B was that guys were having troubles getting there from the line. So great, now that they're there, they're still having troubles moving. Granted, they have to move less, but they're still having troubles.

The reason for the move was because this was the position SP umpires spent most of the game anyhow, coming off the line puts the umpire in tight spot negotiating F3 and the BR.

Starting in the B allows the BU to observe the same events in a more efficient and less stressful manner. That means s/he has the opportunity to see more.

I find that most people who have a problem getting inside are waiting too long to start.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Only two options on this one: haul a$$ and get inside (and risk not seeing the catch/tag-up), or stay out, watch the catch/tag-up, and then move to 2B on the outside. It doesn't "look as good," but in all honesty, you have a better chance at seeing what you need to see on a ball hit towards the left field line.

Obviously, ASA does not like the latter option, nor would I recommend it for anything other than rec league games. It's a simple matter of survival.

A ball hit to right field, on the other hand, doesn't pose quite the same problem. You're better off buttonhooking in and getting the 4 elements in front of you. Now where have I heard that one before?

....widening your angle to get the catch/tag-up in your view.
And then work on your angle as you're moving to 2B. If you get yourself at a good angle to the throw from the OF you get a real good look at the tag play at 2B.
While I'm not "up" on what ASA likes or dislikes in this regard and agree with Dave that "it's a simple matter of survival"....IMHO it's still a damm effective way to cover that particular play and personally have been doing it that way for a good many years probably 90% of the time that play occurs.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

....widening your angle to get the catch/tag-up in your view.
And then work on your angle as you're moving to 2B. If you get yourself at a good angle to the throw from the OF you get a real good look at the tag play at 2B.
While I'm not "up" on what ASA likes or dislikes in this regard and agree with Dave that "it's a simple matter of survival"....IMHO it's still a damm effective way to cover that particular play and personally have been doing it that way for a good many years probably 90% of the time that play occurs.

The problem is simple geometry. You've got an infield that plays so far back, you're almost in the outfield, even if you "split the difference." In order to be able to see the catch in the outfield and not get whiplash when checking the runner on 1B, it's just easier to stay outside when the left fielder is going for a catch near the line or in foul territory. If you go inside, now you've got to turn more than 180 degrees to pick up the runner.

Maybe it's just a bad habit of mine, but I don't like turning my back to the outfield when I'm inside. That's how umpires get pegged.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

The problem is simple geometry. You've got an infield that plays so far back, you're almost in the outfield, even if you "split the difference." In order to be able to see the catch in the outfield and not get whiplash when checking the runner on 1B, it's just easier to stay outside when the left fielder is going for a catch near the line or in foul territory. If you go inside, now you've got to turn more than 180 degrees to pick up the runner.

I don't seem to have this problem. I take off on the ping of the bat (Oh how I long for the days that the sound was a "crack").

If it is a line drive, yeah, I'll peek, but before every play, I scan the OF and know where the players are and what type of effort will be required on ever ball hit. I also know where the possible plays will be and avoid any potential throwing lanes.

This may come as a shock to some , but ASA (nor anyone else of which I am aware) does not dictate a given path an umpire must take. And there is an allowance to change up your position should the defense play deep. As much as I like to stay a few feet off F4's shouder, I move around a lot to accommodate the fielder and my relative position to the possible plays.