Pre-game 4 man crew

[Astrosdawg07]

For the LL district rounds we have been working four man crews, well problem is a lot of guys have never worked a 4 man. How/what would you cover in an IN DEPTH pre-game due to their lack of knowledge? Tonight was terrible; U3 had no idea what he was doing . Wouldn't come into the infield when needed or he would go out when he had no business going out! Very frustrating for the other 3 of us . Hell one time he went out and tried to come back to third ! And he claims he was very experienced with three man mechanics. On top of that I even said in my pre-game, if you GO OUT, STAY OUT :D

[mstaylor]

The first thing you want to do is make sure you have enough time to do a real pregame. I have done LL tournaments where part of the crew felt a pregame wasn't needed, they already knew it, that turned into disasters. What you cover and the amount of detail depends on the crew. The basic coverages, rotations and signals all need to be covered. If a coverage gets blown talk in the outfield between innings.

[semper_fi_72]

It can be trouble when those that think they knew it all don't think they need to pre-game. Their experience in 2 man does not transfer to 3 or 4 man crews.

You have to think ahead of what you will do if X happens to ensure you override reflexes to move in a direction you have done all year long in two man.

mstaylor is correct in saying you need enough time to do a proper pre-game.

I have been assigned as Crew Chief to several TOC and All Star games. I have everyone show up 1 hour before game time and we go over coverage and rotations, several times. Even if we have worked together before.

As said discuss any missed rotation ASAP between innings.

Sure is nice when a play is over and you take a look at everyone's position after they have rotated and noticed that everyone is in the proper spot.

[Big Red]

Haven't worked 4-man, but this thread makes me curious...is there a 4-man mechanics handbook or something out there, either on the net or for purchase?

[Umpire in Chief]

Haven't worked 4-man, but this thread makes me curious...is there a 4-man mechanics handbook or something out there, either on the net or for purchase?

Here you go : http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CCABS&Category_Code=UMPIRE-RULEBOOKS&Product_Count=3

[noumpere]

Haven't worked 4-man, but this thread makes me curious...is there a 4-man mechanics handbook or something out there, either on the net or for purchase?

Just as with 2-man, there are multiple 4-man systems. Get the one for the level / organization you will be working.

[Big Red]

Here you go : http://www.ump-attire.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CCABS&Category_Code=UMPIRE-RULEBOOKS&Product_Count=3

Warren,

Many thanks. Dang, I just ordered a bunch of stuff from them (> $300 to get the free shipping) and it's already been shipped...could've included this. Now, where's that credit card?! :fuel: