The Official Forum  

Go Back   The Official Forum > Softball
Register FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old Sat Jun 07, 2003, 04:20pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
On fly balls half way or more between the bags and the fence ( along the foul lines) I always get blocked out at the last minute by runners and more often than not defensive players. I always stayed on the line running slightly toward the play but am I better off going to one side or the other? I lose that straight on look though.

What do you do?

Glen
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old Sat Jun 07, 2003, 06:57pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: north central Pa
Posts: 2,360
Glen,
The last thing you want is a straight on look at a fly ball & catch. Move to get an angle on it (maybe 1 - 2 steps into foul territory), you'll find you have a much better view of those that are traps and your view of the line is just about equal.

Steve M
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old Sat Jun 07, 2003, 07:28pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 168
Send a message via ICQ to AlabamaBlue
I think he's more concerned about the fair/foul call.

I personally bust down the line as far as I can on fly balls that are going to be near the line. I'm young and fit and I can get past the base on most of these when the runner situation allows.
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old Sat Jun 07, 2003, 09:24pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 298
Glen,

I am assuming 2 person mechs. That being said, if it is in the "V" with fair/foul out of the question then move towards the pitchers circle and get your angle from there. I have never been blocked out from there. READ THE ENTIRE PLAY and then make your catch/no catch call. That will also put you in position to help your partners out should they need it.

If you have a shot down the line, they you really don't have much choice except to stay on the line and up the line to make your call.
__________________
We Don't Look for Problems.....They find Us.
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old Sun Jun 08, 2003, 08:24am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
I forgot to mention only one umpire.

Glen G
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old Sun Jun 08, 2003, 08:30am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 14,565
Quote:
Originally posted by Glen G
On fly balls half way or more between the bags and the fence ( along the foul lines) I always get blocked out at the last minute by runners and more often than not defensive players. I always stayed on the line running slightly toward the play but am I better off going to one side or the other? I lose that straight on look though.

What do you do?

Glen
Unless you have well-defined chalked or painted lines, you need to stay in a position where you can determine the status of the ball.

The defensive players have no need to see that line. If you have time, tell them, "10, give me the line" or "10, I need to see the line". If they don't give you the line, you need to call the ball based on the position you last saw it and if in doubt, give any benefit to the offense.

The runners are another story especially on the right side. As the umpire, you still need to get the best view you can. If that means leanging one way or the other and give it your best shot, that's what you have to do.

__________________
The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old Mon Jun 09, 2003, 11:13am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,474
If you are watching the ball position AS THE DEFENSE MAKES A CATCH, you need to be on the line. Stand tall and look over the players as you can. Tell the coach to get the heck out of the road... or any other expletive you can think of quickly. Do as Mike said and talk to the runners/players if there is time.

If you are watching the ball HIT THE GROUND because there is not going to be a defensive catch, the baseline is still the best place to be. However, if you need to, take a couple steps off the line (into fair or foul territory) and watch where the ball hits the ground. Again, Tell the coach to get the heck out of the road... or any other expletive you can think of quickly.

"Are you going to make the call for us coach? How about you F3? THEN GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
__________________
"There are no superstar calls. We don't root for certain teams. We don't cheat. But sometimes we just miss calls." - Joe Crawford
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old Mon Jun 09, 2003, 11:25am
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: The Land Of The Free and The Home Of The Brave (MD/DE)
Posts: 6,425
Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
If you are watching the ball position AS THE DEFENSE MAKES A CATCH, you need to be on the line. ... snip ..
More importantly, watching the ball position AS THE DEFENSE MISSES A CATCH.

Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
Tell the coach to get the heck out of the road... or any other expletive you can think of quickly. Do as Mike said and talk to the runners/players if there is time.
Usually the player gets in the way late, no time to ask them to move, let alone make them understand. If there is a coach on the line, they deserve whatever you call. Sidestep just as you would for any blocked view and make the best call possible, not guessing an out or strike, and explain the blockage after if you have to.
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old Mon Jun 09, 2003, 05:06pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
All good comments. I'll try yelling as I run down the line but like cecil said the blocked views ussually happen at the last minute.

Someone said stand tall, I'm 5'9" and that doesn't work. I've even tried jumping at the last minute. It worked but I didn't think it was professional.

Comments,

Glen G
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old Mon Jun 09, 2003, 05:14pm
Official Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 54
I concur with Cecil. If someone's in the way, sidestep, even if it makes the call a little harder. We aren't paid to make the easy ones
__________________
Steve Ryan
AUIC, DYBA
Member: IHSA, GLOA
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:40am.



Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0 RC1