ilyazhito

I hope that the SC rule will match NCAA and OBR practice that appeals are allowed only while the ball is live, not the stupid practice of umpires automatically calling runners out for missing bases.

Wouldn't you be in either Deep B or Deep C? I remember that when I worked in the 3-umpire system as U3, I would be in Deep B for R1. I would be in the regular C position for R1/R3, and R1/R2(R3). The reason I would be in Deep B with R1 as U3 or as U1 in an R2/R3 situation is to be able to turn around quickly and be in position for the throw to 2B. A U2 in the 4-umpire system could be at Deep B or Deep C with runners on, because he does not have to worry about covering plays at other bases before the pitch. Would Deep C straight line an umpire the same way that the regular C position does?

Isn't "I'm on the line" an indicator that the plate umpire will not rotate to 3rd in a potential rotation situation (R1, R1/R3, R1/R2 on a tag-up)? If that is the case, "I have the line" would be less ambiguous, because the OP situation does not involve any potential for a plate umpire rotation.

If there are 3 umpires, I would expect U3 to be at C with 1st and 3rd to be prepared for the potential steal of 2nd and the pickoff at 3rd. However, I don't expect U1 in a 2-umpire game to be there, because there might also be a pickoff at 1st base that he can't leave uncovered by being in C.

Would anything after April 7 count for the next season?

If the schools care about that, they should be more consistent in providing dressing rooms for umpires. They are the most consistent at providing locker rooms for football and basketball officials. You have to request a locker room for the other sports. For other sports, I contact the AD in advance to get access to a locker room. When I also get access to a shower, that is the icing on the cake.

There is a specific exception for the visiting pitcher/catcher of record in the top of the 1st inning. If either of those players gets on base, they are allowed a courtesy runner, because they are due to pitch or catch in the upcoming half-inning.

Why would you use sneakers on the bases? I have used cleats, because most baseball fields around me are a combination of grass and dirt. Cleats give me better traction on that type of field. I had to get a different pair of plate shoes because the ones I originally had rubbed the skin on my feet and caused blisters. Don't force yourself to use uncomfortable shoes.

Pivoting is not used in 3 or 4 man. Even if the play breaks down to leave 2 umpires, U1 doesn't pivot. He glances at the touch and continues to 2B.

That makes more sense. I've never heard it called that. I've just heard that not pivoting was an advanced mechanic and a good habit to get into if working 3 or 4-umpire games.

I agree. The Golden At-Bat is nonsense, especially because this rule messes up the batting order, and in turn, interferes with the ability to enforce the Batting Out of Turn (BOOT/BOO) rule.

What is the AAA mechanic y'all are mentioning? I've seen and executed both the standard pivot and the run to 2nd base while looking over my shoulder.

That is cricket. In cricket, any outs have to be appealed to the umpires.

It depends on the rule set. In 1863 baseball, the ball has to be "pitched, not jerked or thrown". There is nothing about requesting location, just a warning if the pitcher or batter try to delay by either not throwing hittable pitches or by not swinging at hittable pitches. Between 1867 and 1887, batters were able to request pitch location (high or low).

Do any of you umpire vintage base ball? I'm asking, becaμse there is a league in my area. I find some of the rules differences fascinating (catching a ball in the air or on the first bounce for an out). I'd like to know what it is like from an umpire perspective. Is it completely different, or are there modern umpiring techniques that can help in vintage base ball? Are there techniques that old-time umpires used that are still relevant for modern baseball? Do vintage players behave differently from modern players? I'm curious, because what I've seen about vintage base ball clubs makes it seem that the players play for fun, though the games are competitive. Finally, are there any good places for a new vintage umpire to get period-specific clothes? The league I'm looking into plays by 1863 rules, so if I start umpiring there, I'll need clothes that fit that period.