"I've got the ball" ; "I'm on the line"

[sdix00]

I was unable to find in the FED manual how U1/PU might alert the U2/BU that he has the trouble ball on the RF line. In PBUC/CCA, PU would call “I’m on the lineâ€. But it appears in FED that U1/PU is supposed to call “I’ve got the ball†even if he is on the RF line. (Page 44 #5) Did I just miss it?

5. Go out on fair/foul or catch/no catch situations down the right-field line,

getting an angle if possible. Be ready to return to take the play at the

plate, since U1 has the bases behind you. Be sure to go over fly-ball

coverages with your partner in the umpire pregame conference. It is

important to communicate with each other on fly balls in gray areas. If

you are going to take the catch, immediately call out, “I’ve got the ball!â€

This will alert your partner to watch the batter-runner.

"On the line" does not exist in the FED mechanics book.

[noumpere]

Does it really matter what the specifice verbage is as long as you are communicating with your partner? Heck you could even use "you'd better get your ass over to cover third on this play, Bubba."

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm on the line, Steve!

I use I have the ball on balls away from the line. I too can't see how it could matter.

[hckyosgood30]

As many of us can imagine the FED pamphlet (I would hardly call it a manual) is very limited. The key to any "tweener" coverage is communication. As it has been stated here already as long as your partner knows then you're good. The verbage is exactly that, simply the verbage you decide to use. Just let your partner(s) know so its not lost in translation. We usually have more problems when partners fail to communicate then we then actually do.

[Minnz]

Taslk talk talk. Who cares what you say? As long as you and your partner know what to say that is all that matters.

[sdix00]

"I'm on the line" is code for "I won't get 3rd if he comes/tags"

"I've got the ball." is code for "I will get F/F, C/NC AND my normal 1st to 3rd / R2 tagging stuff."

"I'm on the line" has a specific implication and changes those responsibilities.

It seemed odd that PBUC and CCA both required it, but FED sed "meh."

PBUC:

If the fly ball or line drive causes the right fielder to move any distance towards the right field line, the plate umpire will communicate to his partner, ''I'm on the line!" to indicate that he is taking the ball. This terminology will indicate to the base umpire that the plate umpire will NOT have the normal 1st-to-3rd responsibility on this play. In this case, the base umpire will assume responsibility for all plays on 1st, 2nd and 3rd on both runners. On this play, the plate umpire will move up the 1st base line as far as he deems necessary to rule on the ball.

CCA

Umpire responsibilities:

PU: Must remain near the foul line to rule on fair/foul and catch/no catch. PU will communicate to U1 that PU is "on the line" and will not have normal rotation coverage.

[yawetag]

It seemed odd that PBUC and CCA both required it, but FED sed "meh."

Doesn't seem odd at all to me. :)

[mstaylor]

Whoever writes the FED book needs to look at either CCA or PBUC and see what real mechanics look like.

[BT_Blue]

Whoever writes the FED book needs to look at either CCA or PBUC and see what real mechanics look like.

The State of Oregon pretty much did just that. They call it "Oregon Modified Mechanics" but its essentially the CCA manual. Its really really nice. WA still does a mix but its mainly FED mechanics. When Im on the field though I try and work more CCA than FED.

[johnnyg08]

FED seems to like being about 30 years behind.