Two man mechanics ?
 

Two man crew in the following situation: R1 on 2B, R2 on 1B, 1 out. BU is over behind SS. Fly ball hit to deep centerfield, F8 makes the catch and R1 tags to advance to 3B. Throw comes directly to 3B and R1 slides in...

Question: who has the call at 3B and where should that umpire be positioned?

What actually happened: BU remained in his original position behind SS. PU came out from behind the plate when the ball was hit but did not move more than a few steps down the line to 3B. The throw was a little to the plate side of 3B and the runner slid in as F5 applied the tag. From behind SS, the BU clearly looked at the PU to see either: if PU was going to make the call or perhaps indicate what he thought. After a perceptible moment of staring at PU, the BU signaled safe. DC was livid not only because of the safe call, but because BU was clearly looking at PU for help. It did not look like good mechanics on the part of either ump - what should have happened?

PU's call. 8-10 feet from bag near the line between 3B and home. BU should be inside not standing still. No excuses for being livid.

Paul

BU should have moved inside to get his angle for the runner tagging at first, which is his responsibility. PU has to move onto field close to circle on th catch, then to the line and down the line towards 3rd to make the call. Realistically it will be hard to get to the 10 ft perscribed by the book. At ASA National Camp, they stressed ange over distance. Get to the line (actually 1 step off), then close down to the play. Once the tag is applied you can continue to close 1-2 steps, then make the call. This is probably one of the toughest plays for the PU along with making a call at third after helping with a B/R at 1st.

I wouldn't say this is an absolute.


On a fly ball, PU has the catch and runner at 2nd base. As the PU, my exact movement would depend on where the ball was hit, but coming inside the diamond is going to be my last option for the catch.


If I can get a good look at the catch from a holding zone on 3B side, that is where I will be. If a potential play at 3B seems imminent, I come inside for that call. Otherwise, I stay in the holding zone and be prepared to take R1 to the plate.

Maybe it is the wording, but you don't "continue" anywhere after the tag. The umpire should have come to a stop to see the tag, then make the call. Now, if you are referring to taking steps as part of an overhand/sell out, I agree.

When there is a runner beginning the play at 2B, the PU should not be trailing the BR.