help with getting into position

[Andy]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

In my area, more emphasis is placed on being there for the pickoff throw....

I certainly don't wish to downplay what is taught in your area, but you may want to consider this and politely ask the powers that be in your neighborhood:

Which play happens more often - the pickoff attempt at first or the steal of second?

If you work between pitches, you can position yourself closer to second base with a runner on first. Once the pitch is made and the runner is not stealing, take a step or two toward first base, then you are already moving in that direction if the catcher makes a pickoff throw and you will be in a decent position to see the play.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by Andy

I certainly don't wish to downplay what is taught in your area, but you may want to consider this and politely ask the powers that be in your neighborhood:

Which play happens more often - the pickoff attempt at first or the steal of second?

If you work between pitches, you can position yourself closer to second base with a runner on first. Once the pitch is made and the runner is not stealing, take a step or two toward first base, then you are already moving in that direction if the catcher makes a pickoff throw and you will be in a decent position to see the play.

Two-person mechanics is all about priorities. In the world of priorities, it is more crucial that I get the call correct at 2B because that could mean a runner winds up in scoring position. (Of course, we want to get all of our calls correct, but sometimes we have to choose where the bulk of our attention is paid.)

The call at 1B is lower priority for two reasons: 1) they already occupy the base & 2) they're not in scoring position.

For me, the key to getting into position at 2B for the steal is to work directly parallel with the baseline from your starting position. If you take a path towards the bag, that's gonna cost you a step or two because it's slightly farther to get to the same angle. (Who said high school geometry wouldn't come in handy someday?)

One caveat: look out for a second base-player who takes a shallow angle to a backup position (too many of which do).

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

Two-person mechanics is all about priorities. In the world of priorities, it is more crucial that I get the call correct at 2B because that could mean a runner winds up in scoring position. (Of course, we want to get all of our calls correct, but sometimes we have to choose where the bulk of our attention is paid.)

The call at 1B is lower priority for two reasons: 1) they already occupy the base & 2) they're not in scoring position.

For me, the key to getting into position at 2B for the steal is to work directly parallel with the baseline from your starting position. If you take a path towards the bag, that's gonna cost you a step or two because it's slightly farther to get to the same angle. (Who said high school geometry wouldn't come in handy someday?)

One caveat: look out for a second base-player who takes a shallow angle to a backup position (too many of which do).

I believe Andy is seeing the priority as where is your most likely play - same approach I have. In a 2-ump game and in the B position, I'm reading F3 and F4 before determining my starting position. With F3 way up and F4 not indicating a pick-off is coming, I'm 35-25 - more toward 2B. If a pick-off looks likely, I'm 25, maybe even 20 ft from the right field line and as close as I can get (depending on where F4 is positioned).

[argodad]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I believe Andy is seeing the priority as where is your most likely play - same approach I have. In a 2-ump game and in the B position, I'm reading F3 and F4 before determining my starting position. With F3 way up and F4 not indicating a pick-off is coming, I'm 35-25 - more toward 2B. If a pick-off looks likely, I'm 25, maybe even 20 ft from the right field line and as close as I can get (depending on where F4 is positioned).

Good tips, Steve. Once I get back on the field with a new leg, I'll have to use every trick I can to compensate and get to calling position more quickly. The good news is that I was so slow before the amputation that nobody will notice a difference.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by argodad

Good tips, Steve. Once I get back on the field with a new leg, I'll have to use every trick I can to compensate and get to calling position more quickly. The good news is that I was so slow before the amputation that nobody will notice a difference.

Sounds like a few umpires I know, except they have no excuse.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

The call at 1B is lower priority for two reasons: 1) they already occupy the base & 2) they're not in scoring position.

Here's three more!!

3) As others have indicated, it more apparent when it is coming,
4) It is a less prevalent play; more steals than pickoff attempts, and
5) You really can get help from the PU on the pickoff (a mandated go for help in the NCAA, if asked), with angle, when you cannot get credible help (nor should you ever ask) at second.

[shipwreck]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

Two-person mechanics is all about priorities. In the world of priorities, it is more crucial that I get the call correct at 2B because that could mean a runner winds up in scoring position. (Of course, we want to get all of our calls correct, but sometimes we have to choose where the bulk of our attention is paid.)

The call at 1B is lower priority for two reasons: 1) they already occupy the base & 2) they're not in scoring position.

For me, the key to getting into position at 2B for the steal is to work directly parallel with the baseline from your starting position. If you take a path towards the bag, that's gonna cost you a step or two because it's slightly farther to get to the same angle. (Who said high school geometry wouldn't come in handy someday?)

One caveat: look out for a second base-player who takes a shallow angle to a backup position (too many of which do).

In theory that is good except when second baseman is playing super deep (which some do), if you go parallel to the line without angling somewhat toward 2B, you will be too far away from the play to be creditable. In these instances, you need to get in closer. Dave

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

In theory that is good except when second baseman is playing super deep (which some do), if you go parallel to the line without angling somewhat toward 2B, you will be too far away from the play to be creditable. In these instances, you need to get in closer. Dave

That would be true if you allow F4 to dictate where you stand. I don't, and it isn't required that you do. "Behind" F4 is behind the imaginary line you might draw between F3 and F4, and far enough to her side that you are more than a step and a leap away. Our positioning is based on softball players playing in reasonable positions, and her decision to play where knowledgable players wouldn't shouldn't affect us.

So, when she gets that deep, I move forward and into the hole; and still move directly parallel to the base line on the steal.

[Rachel]

I agree with Steve. The key is to not get in the way of the 2nd baseman when they field a ball. You move farther away from them as you move in.

[shipwreck]

I'd hate to see my evaluation if I started anywhere to the front side of a fielder. Dave

[luvthegame]

Shouldn't be bad if it was an NCAA evaluation.

What's the diference (distraction wise) with an umpire starting in front of a fielder or a runner running in front of a fielder?

If I were a fielder...i would rather have someone stationary until the ball is hit (at which time they are trying to get OUT of my way) in front of me rather than a runner moving towards me as I am trying to field the ball?

If fielders take unusual positions (depths) the umpire should adjust to an unusual starting position that will allow them do do their job and cover their responsibilities.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Y'all don't know what "deep" is until you work men's A or B slowpitch.

Try F4 & F6 about 20'-30' beyond the baseline with F3 about 15'-25' behind 1B. And then F7 inserts himself about 20' behind 2B. (and remember, there is stealing there, too).

I agree with Steve. This method is basically to satisfy the rules as they pertain to an umpire being hit by a batted ball which has yet to pass an infielder other than the pitcher.

It is a good mechanic. Recently, I've seen umpires come back from a NUS and using this mechanic, end up literally standing forward of a fielder. I'm not talking about a couple steps in front 15'-20' to the side, but about 4 steps in front less than 10' away.

While standing behind an imaginary line satisfies the rules, an umpire still needs to make sure they are in a position avoid getting involed in a possible play. Avoiding interference doesn't mean crap if you have a player run over you or take a shot by a batted ball.

And, like others have mentioned, I, too, will give a call @ 2B a higher priority in positioning than 1B for the same reasons.