yet another coverage gap in the 2 man system?

[Umpire in Chief]

American Legion Jrs game.

R2. On a passed ball R2 attempts to go to third. On an awesome recovery, throw and tag R2 is tagged out at 3rd.

The 3rd base coach is hollering that his runner was obstructed by the SS. He actually began yelling obstruction well before the tag.

I did not/could not see the obstruction as I was in the C position so the alleged obstruction was behind me and on the passed ball kept my eye on the ball and let the ball take me to the play. I did not need to glance to see if he was going because I saw the batter waving him and heard the steps.

The HC in the third base box comes out to talk to me. I have had him a few times before and he is a mild mannered, knowledgeable guy who almost never gives the umpires a hard time. He explained to me that the SS ran in from his position and intentionally bumped into his runner.

I let him know that I did not see the contact as I was watching the ball and could not rule on something I did not see.

He asked if I could check with my partner. I told him I saw my partner facing the ball as well so I doubt he'd have anything different, but that I would check just the same. My partner didn't see anything.

I went back to the coach and let him know. He obviously wasn't happy but remained calm and collected. He said he understood.

In the back of my mind I truly believe he was correct as F6 started the play at the back of the cutout and ended on the inside of the cutout. The fact that I heard the coach yelling for obstruction as the catcher was throwing the ball, and just overall gut feeling.

Is there anything I could have done to be able to see the possible obstruction mechanically or is this another shortcoming of the 2 man system.

[Kyle_Stevens]

I was reading the 2-man mechanics page (http://www.lbua.net/two-man.html) on the Lone Star Umpire website. The web site is not specific on you situation, I am sure because this doesn't happen all too often. However, it did say something about peeking at the runner to see if he is trying to steal to be able to get in position.

IMO, this is a gap in the system. My thought to remedy this would be to pivot back to the runner after you see the pitch get past the catcher. However, you are supposed to let the ball take you to the play. I don't think there is much more you can do.

I think you did a great job in handling the situation. From your description of the coach, I would have to believe him too, but like you said, you can't call what you don't see. A good coach will understand what happened.

[littleleagueump]

You partner, the plate umpire is youit only resolve. He did not do anything wrong but in future games, you will both think ahead maybe and think of the situation before it happens. For example, runner on third, no outs, possible senerio........ batter hits to left for possible double. Where is the plate umpire supposed to be? Covering runner from first to third. As an umpire, you should train to think of these things before they happen. If it doesn't happen, no problem.

The play that you are writing about is not something that would occur every game by no means. Like the plate umpire needs help from his partner to judge those foul balls that hit the batter's leg or foot that the plate umpire can not or did not see, and yet the batter still runs to first leaving you with doubt that the ball did hit him in the box.

In most cases where there is a runner on second with two outs and the ball is hit to short, the runner jukes in front of the shortstop causing him to make an error or miss the ball, that needs to be called by the plate umpire as interference on the runner.

In conclusion, it is difficult to see them all but as that plate umpire in your play goes, oh well, try again later. We learn from mistakes. It may never happen again.

[Ump29]

I would tend to check on the runner if I was BU and let PU watch the passed ball. If there was a throw from plate area the BU can quickly pick up the ball and be ready for call at whatever base. Just my 2 cents.

[BrianC14]

I would tend to check on the runner if I was BU and let PU watch the passed ball. If there was a throw from plate area the BU can quickly pick up the ball and be ready for call at whatever base. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this.

At a recent clinic I attended, we were instructed (when in 'C') to 'sneak a peek' if the runner moves way up toward 3B - just a quick glance over the right shoulder is all it takes. This gives you a quick indication if the runner is going to attempt a steal.

Just as information, I've taken to moving closer to the Deep C position when there is a runner on 2nd only. I don't go all the way to the cutout the way I would when working a 3-man crew, but a step or two back from the usual 'C' spot.

Yes, I have farther to move (2 steps, maybe 3?) but that quick peek makes up for it. Angle over distance, remember.

If there's a passed ball, my responsibility is soley what that baserunner is doing - as long as I know where the ball was headed, I can then turn my attention (quick look) toward the runner, and let HIM take to me to a possible play at third. If you're focused too much on the ball, you may find out that R2 decides to return to 2B - - ooops! You're now well out of position; that's why a check of R2's movement is key on this - HE will let you know where he's headed.

[mstaylor]

I agree with this.

At a recent clinic I attended, we were instructed (when in 'C') to 'sneak a peek' if the runner moves way up toward 3B - just a quick glance over the right shoulder is all it takes. This gives you a quick indication if the runner is going to attempt a steal.

Just as information, I've taken to moving closer to the Deep C position when there is a runner on 2nd only. I don't go all the way to the cutout the way I would when working a 3-man crew, but a step or two back from the usual 'C' spot.

Yes, I have farther to move (2 steps, maybe 3?) but that quick peek makes up for it. Angle over distance, remember.

If there's a passed ball, my responsibility is soley what that baserunner is doing - as long as I know where the ball was headed, I can then turn my attention (quick look) toward the runner, and let HIM take to me to a possible play at third. If you're focused too much on the ball, you may find out that R2 decides to return to 2B - - ooops! You're now well out of position; that's why a check of R2's movement is key on this - HE will let you know where he's headed.

Brian:

I would mildly disagree. The look they are telling you to make is as the pitcher commits to the plate. When the pitch goes by you have already taken your look and turned back to the plate. As the OP noted, it happened behind him so he has nothing. The PU is going to be the only one that is going to have a chance to see it. The BU has to watch the ball to read the quality of the throw. The PU's natural reaction is to watch the ball for an out of play possibility. He can still watch the SS/R2 interaction and then turn back to the ball. It is still a play that is a weak spot of two man and may be missed.