Once in a while, for both baseball and F-Pitch softball, you show up and you are the only umpire - or, as some leagues do, they only use one-umpire for certain age levels.

From behind the plate hwat is the best positioning to make calls at bases - particularly getting an angle for plays at 2nd base?

r.law,

Don't stay behind the plate.

Follow the guidlines set forth in Secion 4 of the ASA
Umpires Manual. By doing as suggested you will usually
find that you are in the right position to make the correct
call.

glen

Thanks Whiskers. I'm looking at it now, and I didn't imply that I would "stay" behind the plate. It is just that is is more challenging with only one-umpire. You simply can't see and catch everything. I'm looking at section 4 of the ASA book right now.

It seems to me that I have seen an article online recently that discussed working a baseball or softball game alone. I'll see if I can find it and post the link.

with no one on base--- get onto the infield and
get good angles for calls !
with runners---- be loose up the 3rd base line--
keep most of your attention on lead runners
(they may score)
the more you work-- the more comfortable you will
be with finding those angles------
then you'll appreciate a base umpire all the more !!

As of yesterday, this happened twice so far this year. Some nut in the stands was yelling that a runner was leaving 1st too early, which you can't really see; so I just stared at he runner and 1st base coach to make them think I was watching.
The toughest things for me are getting an angle for the tag at 2nd when the SS is on the infield side of the base, watching the BR going to 1st when there are other runners and it looked like the play would be elsewhere, and staying out of the way of a throw to home. Mainly, I concentrate more on where the runers are and where play will go from unexpected fielders.

I also like to enlist my scorer's help. I tell them before the game that I want them to help watch time plays at the plate for me. I tell them to be aware of runners crossing the plate when I making a tag call at 2nd for the 3rd out. I also let them know that it is my call and that I'll come to them only if I need help, which I've never done. For me it's like using the signal for potential infield fly, just reminds me to be looking for it plus it usually makes the scorer feel more apreciated that the blue wants their help and it never hurts to lift someone up . Jim

Good idea. And yes, watching timing is one of the difficulties.

I have not tried what they taught us in our clinic for one man system. Recall the pitchers circle for FP in your mind for sp. They called it the hub. So basically the idea was to get out from behind the plate and to the hub area moving as needed. Of course on a play at first with no one out, you go up the line, etc.

The article that I was referring to was published in the Spring 2003 issue of the NFHS Officials Quarterly. I searched the NFHS website, but could not locate the article.

Actually, I've heard that there are two places where you can have the best view of everything happening on the field:

1) Stand or squat in the dugout gate. Sitting on a bucket will also improve your eyesight.

2) Anywhere behind the backstop, but off to one side provides the best view.


Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Gary,

That's a good one. http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk.../jesterlol.gif.

We thought you enlisted and went to war. Where have
you been?

glen

Glen,

Like most of our Texas brethren, I've been busy calling games. My daughter's HS team plays twice a week, I call at least three days a week, then I actually try to do my real job. I read the board late at night, but usually I'm just too tired to do much keyboarding.

My daughter asked me the other night if I had talked with you lately. She said to be sure and say hi for her. She enjoyed seeing you in Beaumont last year. Her teams just don't go down that way any more.

I did get to sign my contract for the ASA 18A Nationals this summer. Are you going to be there? - or - Are you staying home to do the AFA Nationals?

Gary

Gary,

Good to hear from you. I have signed the contract for the AFA 18U Nationals.
Do have a State 16U ASA. How's the daughter's team doing. I know what
you mean about being busy. I just walked in from doing a 16 inning game
between PNG and Vidor. 52 K's in the game. No runner past 2B until the
top of 16th. A misplayed slap pop-up by F3 opened the flood gates. PNG
scored 5 runs in the inning for a 5-0 victory.

Hang in there buddy.

glen