Where do I go?

[stl_ump]

I'm PU. No one on and routine grounder to the outfield.

Do I go anywhere?

[noumpere]

Well, ask yourself what's the next possible play or plays you could be involved in and start meandaring up that way.

[UmpTTS43]

Come out from behind the plate, out of the circle, in fair territory and observe. I will usually watch BR round and touch first and look for any possible OBS. This is not my responsibility, but in the event of a gross miss by my partner from not watching, I may be able to help if needed. If the throw comes into 2nd, I observe. If the throw goes back into 1st, I move towards the 1st base line for a possible overthrow. If the throw goes to 3rd, I move towards that line for the possible overthrow. If the BR commits to 3rd base, I will move to point of plate in order to get overthrow responsibilities and be ready to adjust if runner comes home. As the play develops, I also look out for possible rundown situations between 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd. If I read that this is a possibility, I can start to move that way in the event it does develop. Even though BU has runner into 3rd, you are still umpiring.

[umpcoachfather]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

[scrounge]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

That is the FED mechanic.

[zm1283]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

That is the FED mechanic.

And it's ridiculous. When does the BU release to home? When the runner commits to third? What if he stops and gets in a rundown between second and third? It's a terrible mechanic.

Have I mentioned I don't like that mechanic?

[zm1283]

I'm PU. No one on and routine grounder to the outfield.

Do I go anywhere?

You clear the catcher to the left and get to the 45-foot line to look for overthrows, swipe tags, pulled foot, and interference. If the BR advances past first, you can move back toward the plate and observe everything else.

[zm1283]

Come out from behind the plate, out of the circle, in fair territory and observe. I will usually watch BR round and touch first and look for any possible OBS. This is not my responsibility, but in the event of a gross miss by my partner from not watching, I may be able to help if needed. If the throw comes into 2nd, I observe. If the throw goes back into 1st, I move towards the 1st base line for a possible overthrow. If the throw goes to 3rd, I move towards that line for the possible overthrow. If the BR commits to 3rd base, I will move to point of plate in order to get overthrow responsibilities and be ready to adjust if runner comes home. As the play develops, I also look out for possible rundown situations between 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd. If I read that this is a possibility, I can start to move that way in the event it does develop. Even though BU has runner into 3rd, you are still umpiring.

You don't go to the 45-foot on a routine grounder in the infield?

[Jocko]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

That is the FED mechanic.

And it's ridiculous. When does the BU release to home? When the runner commits to third? What if he stops and gets in a rundown between second and third? It's a terrible mechanic.

Have I mentioned I don't like that mechanic?

I do too. I cover in pregame that I have the BR to all bases. My momentum is carrying me to 3b anyway, so I would prefer to take him all the way around. It throws me off when I have a partner that works the mechanic correctly. I WANT to take it all the way around. I get good angle/distance and am headed there any damn way.

[stl_ump]

So it looks like so far from this discussion, there is not SET thing to do other than to pay attention and to be an extra set of eyes for the BU.

One thing that was mentioned by a couple of you was "watch for an overthrow". Other than going out of play, what is it that I should be watching for?

Thanks

[zm1283]

So it looks like so far from this discussion, there is not SET thing to do other than to pay attention and to be an extra set of eyes for the BU.

One thing that was mentioned by a couple of you was "watch for an overthrow". Other than going out of play, what is it that I should be watching for?

Thanks

Yes, there is a "set" thing to do when there are no runners and a routine ground ball is hit. As PU, you get to the 45-foot line and watch for overthrows, swipe tags, interference and a pulled foot. On an overthrow, the ball going into dead-ball territory is your main concern. Players in the dugout touching the ball while it is still alive is also a possibility. If the throw is coming from the area of home plate, watch for runner's lane interference. Be ready to help your partner on a swipe tag/pulled foot if asked.

That is the way it is taught at every good clinic.

[UmpTTS43]

You don't go to the 45-foot on a routine grounder in the infield?

I do but the question was concerning a grounder to the outfield.

[zm1283]

You don't go to the 45-foot on a routine grounder in the infield?

I do but the question was concerning a grounder to the outfield.

Well hell, nevermind. I just read it completely wrong....my fault.

What Troy said above is right on. Move into fair territory toward the direction of the hit and observe.

[Jocko]

Your future partners will appreciate your tenacity in this matter

[renegadewolf]

Baseball Canada tells us with no runners on with a base hit to outfield plate umpire exits left towards the midpoint between the mound and home plate. He will observe the overall play and be ready to assist the base umpire in the case of a run down. Once the batter runner reaches second he retreats to P-15 and is responsible for the call at the plate. (P-15 for those not in the know is a spot along the 3rd base line about 15 feet up from the plate and in foul territory) How it really works plate umpire exits out left, follows the runner about half way to first to observe, retreats back to P-15. If there is no further play or runner goes to 2 stay in P-15. If there is going to be a play at 3 PU can move up from P-15 to 3rd and can call off the BU for the call, if he appears to be committed to not stopping at 3rd move from P-15 to home to make the call. If P-15 is too confusing just insert 3rd base line instead....lol

[Guest]

Baseball Canada tells us with no runners on with a base hit to outfield plate umpire exits left towards the midpoint between the mound and home plate. He will observe the overall play and be ready to assist the base umpire in the case of a run down. Once the batter runner reaches second he retreats to P-15 and is responsible for the call at the plate. (P-15 for those not in the know is a spot along the 3rd base line about 15 feet up from the plate and in foul territory) How it really works plate umpire exits out left, follows the runner about half way to first to observe, retreats back to P-15. If there is no further play or runner goes to 2 stay in P-15. If there is going to be a play at 3 PU can move up from P-15 to 3rd and can call off the BU for the call, if he appears to be committed to not stopping at 3rd move from P-15 to home to make the call. If P-15 is too confusing just insert 3rd base line instead....lol

I'm sorry...what?!

[stl_ump]

See..? See...? No consensus. Other than move out from behind the plate and keep your eyes open.

[umpcoachfather]

Covered during pregame - some do this some don't. Some can't some won't.

[zm1283]

See..? See...? No consensus. Other than move out from behind the plate and keep your eyes open.

The way it is taught at clinics is the way UmpTTS said above. Just move toward the direction of the hit, observe for OBS if the runner advances to second base. Watch for overthrows if he goes back into first or if he goes to third. Be ready for a possible rundown as well.

Disregard my answers from earlier in the thread. I misread your post. Disregard the FED mechanic about PU covering third on a triple, UNLESS your local group specifies that you have to work it that way. Other than that, I'm not sure what is so ambiguous about this.

[stl_ump]

Nothing "ambiguous" about it. Just wanted to make sure what I have been doing is correct. And according to what's been posted here, it is.

Thanks

[mstaylor]

Come out and just watch the whole play. If you have a fair/foul on the third base line then certainly cover third but the plate is still yours. There is only one time that the BU covers home and that ain't it. Watch touches and, obstructions and any rundowns. If everything stays routine then let the BU take him to third and just hang out.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

So it looks like so far from this discussion, there is not SET thing to do other than to pay attention and to be an extra set of eyes for the BU.

One thing that was mentioned by a couple of you was "watch for an overthrow". Other than going out of play, what is it that I should be watching for?

Thanks

Yes, there is a "set" thing to do when there are no runners and a routine ground ball is hit. As PU, you get to the 45-foot line and watch for overthrows, swipe tags, interference and a pulled foot. On an overthrow, the ball going into dead-ball territory is your main concern. Players in the dugout touching the ball while it is still alive is also a possibility. If the throw is coming from the area of home plate, watch for runner's lane interference. Be ready to help your partner on a swipe tag/pulled foot if asked.

That is the way it is taught at every good clinic.

You do this on a clean base hit to the outfield ? That's what the OP described...

[dumbdumb]

stl

From what I have read. There can be different coverages depending on the organization being referenced for the game you are working. First, know the positioning requirements of that organization.

Don't try and make umpiring easy, and I am not saying you do. If you are doing the job correctly, you will have to work your rear end off, even on a no hitter.

The one thing you do have control over (even if you cannot umpire a lick) is hustle. Good coaches that know the game, always appreciate an umpire who hustles his/her rear off.

Does that mean you, PU, try and beat the batter up the line on an infield hit with your 9.1-- 100 yard dash speed? No, but it sure doesn't mean to just stay at the plate with your mask on, just watching like a spectator. Get as close to the 45 foot line, on a ball hit to the infield with nobody on, that your speed will allow, yet be stopped and set for the play at first. Now in your OP you need to get out in front of the plate to observe any action and possibly help your partner if needed.

Just pretend your partner is going to break his leg and go straight down on every play that is being made. Get out into the grass and be thinking where you can get the best possible position for any play if your partner goes down.

Let me tell you, if you are working a game with MST, and he forgets he is working OBR and stops at second or falls down on a triple, and you are working the plate and have come up into the grass, then notice he stops or falls down, and now you get your butt up to 3rd and are in the cutout and make that call, MST WILL NEVER FORGET, that you bailed him out. If you are working your way up and you are in an organization that really cares about quality umpiring like MST and his group, MST will be the first to make a phone call about your bailing him out. If you can umpire a lick, things like this can definitely help with your movement up the ladder, and can probably speed it up also. Obviously, if by chance your judgment and other abilities are so far below average that your hustle cannot help, there is nothing anyone can do. However, I would imagine you would never, ever, get busted on for your desire and hustle and the fact that your partners know you have their back on a play where they fall down or mess up a rotation.

This is my take on what I have read, YMMV.

+++Just a general statement on umpiring here. Umpiring is not easy, at least my wiffle ball games aren't. On a game with a lot of action, you are going to work (hustle) you butt off. Don't try and cadillac through any game, I don't care if it is a scrimmage. If you want to cadillac, just stay home and let the ones who want to bust their butts, do the games. This has nothing to do with money. It is wanting to umpire and working your butt off. Nothing, and I mean nothing makes my blood boil as much as watching a game where the guys do not hustle. And yes, many many times they get all the calls right without any hustle at all, and of course that is all that matters, I guess, in the long run, even when they, PU/BU forget to go to 3rd and make the call from 75 feet away. But it just burns me.

[SanDiegoSteve]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

That is the FED mechanic.

And it's ridiculous. When does the BU release to home? When the runner commits to third? What if he stops and gets in a rundown between second and third? It's a terrible mechanic.

Have I mentioned I don't like that mechanic?

Not only that, but nothing looks sharper than to start in A and be standing right on top of 3rd base waiting for ball and runner. Wouldn't have it any other way. If I ever get too slow to not be able to be there before the BR and the ball, then I I will hang them up and never umpire again. Not counting right now, because I can barely walk 10 feet to the bathroom. But my new valve has improved anything. The doctor said he doesn't know how I was even walking around with the old, shot aortic valve, it was so narrow...almost closed up.

[johnnyg08]

_{We are taught in 2 man that when no one is on base and possible triple} PU _{has third and} BU _{has Home.}

Absolutely no need for that mechanic. If BU does his job, he takes BR all the way into third. He's running the same distance. I wish I could choose a better word, but that is one example of a dumb FED mechanic.