Touch of Second on Bunt

[RKBUmp]

Local Juco coach teaches his players to purposely cut bases in situations just like you have described because there are not enough eyes on the field to watch everything. Technically yes, the touch of second is probably the BU responsibility, but in a sac bunt situation the play is most likely going to be at 1st, which is also the BU responsibility. There is just no way to watch the play developing, the batter/runner, the base runner touch of 2nd and a play at 1st all at the same time.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

There is just no way to watch the play developing, the batter/runner, the base runner touch of 2nd and a play at 1st all at the same time.

That is what I call one of the black holes of the 2 umpire system.

[MD Longhorn]

One perfect reason JUCO should pay for a 3rd umpire...

BU's call - but as PU, unless the timing of the throw prohibits me doing so, I'm glancing over to 2nd as R1 rounds, knowing this is ALWAYS a hole in 2-man coverage. (That said, very often the timing of the throw DOES prohibit you from glancing over).

BU should have this in the back of his head as well though. Positioning sucks for making that glance, but if PU's timing is wrong for this it's very possible BU's is not, as their primary will be the play at the base - if the throw is about to happen, you can sometimes look over quickly.

Just know it's a hole, and both of you do your best to check it if possible.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Local Juco coach teaches his players to purposely cut bases in situations just like you have described because there are not enough eyes on the field to watch everything. Technically yes, the touch of second is probably the BU responsibility, but in a sac bunt situation the play is most likely going to be at 1st, which is also the BU responsibility. There is just no way to watch the play developing, the batter/runner, the base runner touch of 2nd and a play at 1st all at the same time.

RKB beat me to it.....

We have had other (former) coaches in this JUCO league teach this same tactic. Our umpire staff is aware of it and we usually try to have the PU take a quick look on this play, because we know it's coming.

We (the umpires) have seen it several times, but, in at least the games that I have done, the other team doesn't catch it and doesn't appeal.

One game I was working with the team in question, I was PU, player hits an easy double in the gap, but cuts her turn at first short and does not touch the base. The other team sees it and appeals, my BU partner calls the out. Here comes coach...."What was that call? How did you see that?, blah, blah, blah....." Partner waits for him to finish, then tells him, "Coach, you have had your players do that for years and getting away with it...you get called on it once and you're out here complaining to me?????" That ended the conversation pretty quick.

I was standing behind the plate try to contain my laughter.....