Tcow #3

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Runners on 2nd & 3rd, fly to left, R1 tags and starts home. Throw is immediate to F2, R1 retreats, F2 chasing.
PU hustling alongside F2, watching for tag, yells "I have tag", BU nearby.

Why would the PU feel he needs to chase F2 all the way back to third to watch for the tag? If this were a return throw from F2 to F5 on the retreating R1, wouldn't that be the BU's responsibility?

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I were the BU here, as soon as I saw R1 start to head back to third base when the throw came in, I would tell my PU partner, "I'VE GOT THIRD!" I've already button-hooked into the infield between second and third base to watch R2's tag-up, so I already have a good angle to watch the play going back to third base.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Why would the PU feel he needs to chase F2 all the way back to third to watch for the tag? If this were a return throw from F2 to F5 on the retreating R1, wouldn't that be the BU's responsibility?

No throw, just F2 chasing R1, looked like tag would be part way back.

Originally Posted by Manny A

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I were the BU here, as soon as I saw R1 start to head back to third base when the throw came in, I would tell my PU partner, "I'VE GOT THIRD!" I've already button-hooked into the infield between second and third base to watch R2's tag-up, so I already have a good angle to watch the play going back to third base.

Good point, probably a good method.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Why would the PU feel he needs to chase F2 all the way back to third to watch for the tag? If this were a return throw from F2 to F5 on the retreating R1, wouldn't that be the BU's responsibility?

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I were the BU here, as soon as I saw R1 start to head back to third base when the throw came in, I would tell my PU partner, "I'VE GOT THIRD!" I've already button-hooked into the infield between second and third base to watch R2's tag-up, so I already have a good angle to watch the play going back to third base.

Lead runner at third is the PU responsibility, strictly speaking. If the BU takes the runner coming back to third, that puts two umpires on one runner and no umpires covering the other runner(s).

There is nothing wrong with the BU having eyes on the play while covering the other runners, and able to provide help if asked, but the BU primary responsibility is the trail runners.

[shagpal]

I usually try pregame this, that throw backs to 3rd is BU unless PU is right there. I'll read my partner before positioning and calling, whether PU or BU, either way. Calling for the call should depend on where your partner is. If your PU is close in distance, even tho your angle is better, it will not sell well for either of you if you take the call.

Originally Posted by Manny A

Why would the PU feel he needs to chase F2 all the way back to third to watch for the tag? If this were a return throw from F2 to F5 on the retreating R1, wouldn't that be the BU's responsibility?

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I were the BU here, as soon as I saw R1 start to head back to third base when the throw came in, I would tell my PU partner, "I'VE GOT THIRD!" I've already button-hooked into the infield between second and third base to watch R2's tag-up, so I already have a good angle to watch the play going back to third base.

[EsqUmp]

Out of curiosity, since PU should be in foul ground, how did he manage to get blocked by the runner going into fair ground? If anything, it seems like this should have opened up the view of the play, not closed it.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Out of curiosity, since PU should be in foul ground, how did he manage to get blocked by the runner going into fair ground? If anything, it seems like this should have opened up the view of the play, not closed it.

R1 drifts into fair, F2 swivels body toward fair blocking PU view

I guess I am not as good at describing for visualization, but please accept the fact.