BU mechanics

[DTQ_Blue]

I was traveling out of state this w/e and dropped in on a HS game in the 5th inning. It was a post season varsity game involving large public schools; good quality of play. Of course I watch the umpires more than the players. On the several occasions when BU was on the line and came into the infield he never looked toward first base to observe a touch or possible obstruction by F3. The PU may have been looking for these things, but I'm not aware of any system that gives those duties to PU. Does any system teach that mechanic, i.e., that BU does not watch the touch and OBS at 1B? I do know that if there was OBS or no touch BU would not have seen it.

[AtlUmpSteve]

You observed a base umpire with poor mechanics; it is the BU responsibility to see these actions, no matter WHAT system he thinks they are working.

Maybe they (in that area) try to use lesser rated umpires in an early round, thinking no big game, reward those that showed commitment when possible. Regardless, poor.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

You observed a base umpire with poor mechanics; it is the BU responsibility to see these actions, no matter WHAT system he thinks they are working.

Maybe they (in that area) try to use lesser rated umpires in an early round, thinking no big game, reward those that showed commitment when possible. Regardless, poor.

What he said.

Thread over.

[CecilOne]

Both correct, but just an add-on. As PU, I would watch that runner as well, as if the BU is in A, there are no other runners.

Hijack - Is "rimming" accepted in your area and if so, what technique do you use as BU to observe the above?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

....Hijack - Is "rimming" accepted in your area and if so, what technique do you use as BU to observe the above?

In AZ HS ball, we have allowed "rimming" for the last two seasons. The technique I use is to look at first base and see the runner touch and/or potential obstruction. Personally, I prefer to use the rim when appropriate.

We do not teach rimming to our new umpires and instruct them to buttonhook inside on every ball hit to the outfield. For the experienced umpires, using the rim is an option, but not mandatory.

[shipwreck]

Makes me wonder where some umpires around here get their information. I was working a NCAA game the other day. The BU used rimming for everything, and I mean everything that was hit to the outfield. Any field and even with runners on he stayed out. I hadn't worked with him much so I e-mailed my assignor and asked her to watch him and correct him. It was a royal pain working with him. Dave