I was in the wrong spot, right?

[buddywilshire]

Runner on third and first. One out. I'm PU. Pitcher does a pickoff move to first and runner on first gets into run down(I think he did this on purpose, doesn't matter). BU umps gets into postion in B to watch the run down. I stay at home to make sure runner on third scores, he does. As he scores I run up the first baseline to get in a good view to assist with the rundown. They tag the runner, and BU gets the out.

My question is, was I right in going to first or should I have been going to third to prepare for a play there? After the game the BU said I was right in coming up the line, but still I'm not sure.

Thanks.

[BrianC14]

Runner on third and first. One out. I'm PU. Pitcher does a pickoff move to first and runner on first gets into run down(I think he did this on purpose, doesn't matter). BU umps gets into postion in B to watch the run down. I stay at home to make sure runner on third scores, he does. As he scores I run up the first baseline to get in a good view to assist with the rundown. They tag the runner, and BU gets the out.

My question is, was I right in going to first or should I have been going to third to prepare for a play there? After the game the BU said I was right in coming up the line, but still I'm not sure.

Thanks.

What's happening at third that would make you want to go there?

You did it right.

Too often, the guy working the plate will run up to help on the rundown, forgetting about R3.

[semper_fi_72]

Runner on third and first. One out. I'm PU. Pitcher does a pickoff move to first and runner on first gets into run down(I think he did this on purpose, doesn't matter). BU umps gets into postion in B to watch the run down. I stay at home to make sure runner on third scores, he does. As he scores I run up the first baseline to get in a good view to assist with the rundown. They tag the runner, and BU gets the out.

My question is, was I right in going to first or should I have been going to third to prepare for a play there? After the game the BU said I was right in coming up the line, but still I'm not sure.

Thanks.

Once R3 scored you were right in going up 1B line to assist with rundown.

That is your responsibility. Once your in position you notify your partner "I have this end".

I have had several rundowns and when it was over left me wondering what the heck took PU so long to get up here to help.

[buddywilshire]

What's happening at third that would make you want to go there?

You did it right.

Too often, the guy working the plate will run up to help on the rundown, forgetting about R3.

I was afraid of an over throw and the runner making a run to third. I should have known better, these are two of the better teams in their states in their age groups.

Ok, I guess I was right. I got to first and give him a fast "I'm here". Ok I feel better.

[BrianC14]

I was afraid of an over throw and the runner making a run to third. I should have known better, these are two of the better teams in their states in their age groups.

Ok, I guess I was right. I got to first and give him a fast "I'm here". Ok I feel better.

It wouldn't matter. There's only the one runner now (since you watched R3 score), so any overthrow would have R1 advancing to 2B, that's the base umpire's call. If R1 then attempts 3B, that's also the base umpire's call. You'd want to return to the plate by then and start wondering how bad the defense can be to allow a rundown between 1st & 2nd turn into a run. :yippie:

[buddywilshire]

It wouldn't matter. There's only the one runner now (since you watched R3 score), so any overthrow would have R1 advancing to 2B, that's the base umpire's call. If R1 then attempts 3B, that's also the base umpire's call. You'd want to return to the plate by then and start wondering how bad the defense can be to allow a rundown between 1st & 2nd turn into a run.

True.

[kcfan102]

If I'm working with a guy I normally work I'll usually give him a sign that says "R3, I'm staying". Once the rundown happens I'll say "I got four ______". As soon as R3 scores make your way up 1B lines and say "I'm here ______".

Communication is key. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner during the play. Thats what I do and it seems to work well.

[noumpere]

and start wondering how bad the defense can be to allow a rundown between 1st & 2nd turn into a run.

I'd already be wondering that if they allowed the run-down to progress long enough for R3 to score and then PU to get to first in time to be ready for a call.

[BrianC14]

I'd already be wondering that if they allowed the run-down to progress long enough for R3 to score and then PU to get to first in time to be ready for a call.

It's a fairly common ploy by the offense to have R1 start to steal then retreat, inducing the defense to focus on him only, as R3 sneaks home. At lower levels of baseball, the defense is often fooled by this. At higher levels, not so much.

[noumpere]

It's a fairly common ploy by the offense to have R1 start to steal then retreat, inducing the defense to focus on him only, as R3 sneaks home. At lower levels of baseball, the defense is often fooled by this. At higher levels, not so much.

I understand the play, and the fact that R3 can (and often does) score. But to then let the rundown continue long enough for PU to get to first does not seem compatible with the OP's comment that these were "two of the better teams in the state in their age group."

In any age group that allows lead-offs / steals, the run down should end soon after R3 scores.

[buddywilshire]

I understand the play, and the fact that R3 can (and often does) score. But to then let the rundown continue long enough for PU to get to first does not seem compatible with the OP's comment that these were "two of the better teams in the state in their age group."

In any age group that allows lead-offs / steals, the run down should end soon after R3 scores.

They missed the tag two or three times. It was odd. Both teams were moving slow. Plus the R3 did a good job. Once he say him go to first, he was on his way home.

They were 16 and under. These kids were good,.