BU's positioning at "B" and "C"

[LMSANS]

If both of are not seeing it then it may not be there. It may be that they are not looking at the right things as the offensive team.

I don't disagree with that...the only time he complained was when he was caught. The other dozen times there was a throw over, nothing.

[PeteBooth]

In either position you want to be straddling an imaginary line running from the plate through the infield and just off the edge of the mound.

In the B position you should get about 15' away from the pitcher. In the C position with runners on 2nd or 1st & 2nd you'd be the same position just on the other side. With a runner on 3rd, you move deeper.

I agree HOWEVER, with R3 or R1/R3 I am in the "B" position

From there I have a good angle if there should be a pickoff. I do not have to worry about the tag-up (that belongs to the PU) and unless the infield is playing in the play will go to first base.

Pete Booth

[Umpire in Chief]

I agree HOWEVER, with R3 or R1/R3 I am in the "B" position

From there I have a good angle if there should be a pickoff. I do not have to worry about the tag-up (that belongs to the PU) and unless the infield is playing in the play will go to first base.

Pete Booth

Our association has not adopted this CCA mechanic. We are still told to be in C. It will be interesting to see how long it will be until we change...

[mstaylor]

I do the same as Pete. I very rarely am in C at all. First and second or Second only is about it.

[BT_Blue]

Our association has not adopted this CCA mechanic. We are still told to be in C. It will be interesting to see how long it will be until we change...

FED has also gone to this mechanic of being in B with R1 and R3 for the reason given by Jim Evans that 98% or so of plays will be at first and it looks better being closer in B. Its all the illusion of being closer even though there isnt actually much of a difference space wise between B and C.

I too now work much closer to F1 than most (it was a recommendation by a mentor who is a Big West umpire). Much much closer with a lefty on the hill. The reason for this is to get a better angle on the pick at first since it is usually quicker in happening than with a righty. Also as BU you are responsible for the foot coming past the pitching rubber and (dispite what the CCA manual says) you can help with the lean towards the plate.

[MCLEOD36]

If small diamond, I try and stay deeper, just to avoid getting hit. Yes, I have gotten sucked into a play at 2nd, where a fielder bobbles a potential DP ball and goes to first, and you then just fight for a good angle on the play at first. Sometimes going toward (though counterintuitive) the outfiled makes the most sense.

[kwiggie]

I just made a crude drawing using the playing field dimensions diagram from OBR. I reread my original reply and thought it could be hard to conceptualize.

Note this is not to scale but close enough.

Worked a game this week (HS) with a good friend of mine (adult ball player and former teammate who only umps in a pinch, once maybe twice a season in plain clothes) who worked as BU. I am a little ashamed to admit that I used him as a guinea pig in that I positioned him in the "B" and "C" (with hand jestures and such) positions according to the diagram that UIC posted. "I see it", behind the plate and observing my partner I see the advantage that is gained by setting up on the "line" extending from home plate to the edge of mound. I got to impelment it last night during a Men's league game that I worked as BU, little uncofortable but definately a much better veiw of my sorroundings... I will get use to it!