JSam21

It allows them to work 2nd base the full 360 degrees... just like the plate. It is required even more so since the runners can't slide through the base and not be in jeopardy to be put out. 2nd base has some of the most dynamic play types because of the various angles at which throws can originate from.

I think what we can learn from the play is two fold. 1) MLB umpires are paid to get calls right, therefore they do things that umpires at lower levels shouldn't neccessarily do. Now before someone comes on and says "BUT WE ARE ALL PAID TO GET CALLS RIGHT!!!"... They have comprehensive health insurance and will continue to get paid when injured... we will not. They have the ability to get reps in positions that we do not have the abilty to do. That is what I mean. 2) Sometimes we are just SOL on certain plays. Working this type of mechanic is HARD. I mean very hard. People with 30-40 games a year at 2nd base still strugle with it at times.

And I want it to be clear... I'm a D3 nobody who is mediocre at best, so I don't proclaim to be an expert at anything. However, I'm smart enough to know that there are people who are much better and smarter than me who I should listen to. I discussed this situation over breakfast with a current MLB umpire (humble brag) last week. My previous comment is exactly what he told me. There are often times where a situation occurs for the players that they are going to be SOL even though they did everything they were supposed to do. An example is the video of the squeeze play where the bunt goes straight down, the runner slides, and hinders the catcher fielding the batted ball... Stuff happens. The best umpires in the world work 2nd base roughly 30 times a year... No one at the amateur level is working that position that many times in a season. I have worked 2nd base in the 4 umpire system exactly 4 times... ever. The MLB umpires get reps there and still struggle with the mechanics of working outside. We work inside because we have the reps of working inside at 2nd base within every other system we work. It is truly baffling to me how many mechanics "experts" come out of the woodwork when these types of plays happen. Especially when those experts have ZERO experience actually working the system that they are pontificating on. Those are likely the same people who make statements at camps instead of asking questions.

Bill Miller knows how to work 2nd base on the outside. Bill Miller has taught many of his fellow MLB umpires how to work 2nd base on the outside. No matter what Bill did here, he would have been in someone's way. His movements were the "high percentage" ones to make as rarely is F4 going to come across to get this ball. This is F6's ball all the way and Bill movements are such because of that.

Agreed. Big P it is 100% descretion of the official. Any other level he gets run.

Top and bottom are pretty explanitory. Corner is a pitch that is on the plate. Edge is as far as I'm going.

It doesn't matter when the BR is the one who caused the interference. If it was another runner then the fair/foul would come into play. The only reason why we would need the fair/foul status on a "squibber" is to determine what to do with the batter-runner after the interference call. Since, on this play, they are out on the interference it doesn't matter if it rolls foul after the hinderance.

It has to be caught by the catcher in all rule sets.

This is a really prevealant assumption. It never had to be "caught cleanly". It never had to go "into the glove". As said previously, OBR/NCAA it just needs to go sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher and then be legally caught by the catcher. NFHS, it needs to go sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hand/glove and then be legally caught. NFHS, If it touches the catcher's hand/glove first, it can be juggled, kicked, stuck in their elbow, hip... as long as it doesn't become lodged in their equipment, touch the batter or umpire... it can be legally caught by the catcher and would be a foul tip

They want people that look good in the uniform, are young, athletic... the feeling is they can teach people to umpire the way they want people to umpire. How will this impact college baseball? Outside of people being released going straight into D1 conferences?

That is the school they go to. It was being made to sound like, you go to the 1/2 day camp then straight to MiLB. You still have to be near the top of the class to get a job. Yes it is invite only... Just like it always has been to get a job in MiLB. You would go to Evans, Harry's, etc... but then you would get invited to PBUC which is now the MLB Umpire Academy. They just brought it all in house to control everything. The "free" model gets people who may not be able to afford it to go.

My thoughts... If the foot touches the ground while gaining ground towards the base, we are good. If it doesn't and raises again, we are not good.

They go to school still. It isn't like they are going from a half day camp directly into MiLB. It isn't like they got to choose who when to school before.

This... and a catcher stepping in front of home plate to receive a pitch with R3 attempting to advance is not a "Catcher's Balk".

From the set position, the pitcher can do one of 3 things. 1) Deliver a pitch. 2) Step and throw/feint to a base. 3)Disengage. Taking a rocker step isn't one of those three things. If he is delivering a pitch, he has one step to do so.