Umpire mechanics help

[Guest knucker]

I was hoping I could get some help with this situation and the proper positioning for it. 2 man crew. Runners on 1st and third. I am in the C position. Runner on 1st stealing. Cathcher throws down, but not to second, but rather to the SS cutting towards and in front of the bag to get the runner advancing from third. As I turn to follow the ball, I realize the throw is coming towards me. How should I handle this play- drop down, go backwards or forwards and is there a specific mechanic to alleviate being in this situation. It happened twice to me this season, so I suspect I am doing something wrong here. Thanks for the help.

[noumpere]

First I think you should be in the B position in that situation.

Second, now that its happened you should remember that throwing directly to the SS or the second baseman is one of the 6 (I think thats the number) of plays the defense can use and its more popular at the lower levels so you should be ready for it.

When you read the throw recognize that they are basically conceeding second base to the base runner so move for a potential play at third. Step to the right (unless the throw is to the right) open up to the ball and take another drop step toward third base.

[boyinr]

The mechanic that we use is to be in the "B" position for this play. It puts you in a better position for the most likely plays that may occur.

[Umpire in Chief]

Also remember to let the ball turn you, that way you see the ball coming at you and can step out of the way.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I use B or C, depending on the situation when it's 1st and 3rd. If you are in B, the same thing could happen if the catcher throws to F4 coming in, so there is no special advantage by being in B over C, IMO. As far as how to move from C, noumpere and UIC have it covered.

By anticipating the unexpected and staying focused on every pitch or play, and not being complacent or daydreaming, these things won't come as a surprise when they happen, and you can easily adapt to them.

[mstaylor]

Agree to use B with first and third. Never turn before the ball, let it turn you. Listen to hear who is covering second. Whichever isn't covering second will be the cut guy. As you turn with the ball and moving to the base, be aware he may cut it. Once cut, stop and move back toward the mound, facing the ball. Determine if he is going to the plate or third. This is a prime example of situational awareness.

[noumpere]

I didnt get the impression that this was a throw to second base with a cut if the runner from third breaks but rather a throw directly to the shortstop moving directly from his position toward home plate to receive the throw.

[mstaylor]

but rather to the SS cutting towards and in front of the bag to get the runner advancing from third.

That to me is a throwdown and a cut by the SS. Either way, B is the place to start.

[JaxRolo]

I agree go to "B" and not "C".

Never seen a F2 throw to F4 in this situation. Jut try it.

[mstaylor]

F4 could be the cutoff guy, I've seen it both ways.

[noumpere]

I've had more than my shre of babacue and beer but the six separate plays are:

fake throw

throw to pitcher

throw to third base

throw to shortstop

throw to second to get the stealing runner

throw to second with a cut usually by the second baseman if the runner from third goes

Wheres our resident coach on this? lol

[JaxRolo]

<acronym title='Second baseman'>F4</acronym> could be the cutoff guy, I've seen it both ways.

I realize anyone could be the cutoff just never seen it done to F4. Still the optimal position for me is B

[Richvee]

<acronym title='Second baseman'>F4</acronym> could be the cutoff guy, I've seen it both ways.

I realize anyone could be the cutoff just never seen it done to F4. Still the optimal position for me is B

Saw it a few times this weekend in a 50/70 tourney. It actually makes more sense. F4 cutting behind the pitcher with all his momentum moving towards 3rd gives him a much better shot at a quick throw to F5 to catch R3 too far off. It also seems just as easy for F4 to throw home if need be.

At any rate, from B or C, one needs to be aware of the possibility of a middle infielder cutting off the throw and we must be ready to avoid getting in the way.

[ring-em-up12]

Most times the throw from F2 is going to F1 or F6 I've never seen F4 take it. Not saying it dosent happen I've just never seen it. B is the position I'm camping out in every time in this situation.

[Fittske24]

You should be in B because of the higher probability of the pitcher attempting a pick off move to 1st. If the 1st baseman is holding the runner on, you should be in B. As others have stated, you should keep your chest to the ball and let the ball turn you. Make sure you are not to deep when in B, as this could casue you to get caught up by the SS/2B who will be cutting the ball. Stay with the ball, and let it take you to your next play.

[scrounge]

As a side note, the much-beloved FED manual does say go to C in this scenario. In our high school games, we're told to stick to the FED mechanics manual strictly - including C for 1st and 3rd and the PU rotating up on no-one-on triples. That's what we're evaluated on, so when in Rome...

In non-school games, I generally go to B. However, in a tournament this weekend, one pitcher was infatuated with throwing over to third, so I went to C while he was in the game.