3 man R1

[zoops]

In 3 man with R1, where is the most acceptable place for U3 to stand?  The "c" seems to make the most sense but I see some guys who are pretty experience stand on the 1st base side of 2nd.  

[Magic]

Depending on what book you read. With a right handed batter you have the option of B or C. With a left handed batter your are in C.

[afaber12]

I've seen a bunch of manuals for different organisations online, that all handle 3-man positioning a little differently. From the other side of the Pacific Ocean I've got no idea how well-informed or well-regarded any of them are. Last I saw PBUC gives the option to be either side, whichever is most comfortable.

 

The main ideas I've heard (and can remember) about which is better generally revolve around potential steals, or the handedness of the batter. From the 1st base side you get a better look at the outside edge of the base which is where a base-stealer  in theory at least should be diving for because you're less likely to be looking through F4/F6. From the 3rd base side you're close to 90 degrees with the R1's path and in line with the leading edge of 2nd base, but you're probably looking through F4/F6. 

 

A lot of guys I've spoken to feel more comfortable on the opposite field/open side rather than the pull side with relation to the batter, partly because you're generally that much less likely to have an umpire-seeking line drive find you (or have it that much slower, that much easier to avoid, and that much less painful if it does find you), and partly because they find ruling on check-swings easier the closer to the open foul line you are. (I've seen some systems where the check-swing always goes to the base umpire on the line regardless of lefty or righty batting, but not too many.)

 

I suppose what I'm saying is either there's a system that you're expected to follow that will specify which side you need to be on, and if not you get to choose what suits you best.

[JaxRolo]

We use B for U3. Reasons is because most games you work are 2-man and you are always in B with R1. So why change the view you are accustomed to.

[steeler41]

My association uses CCA mechanics and with R1 we stand in a "deep" B. We stand almost literally in the baseline between 1st and 2nd. When R1 steals you take one step up and turn toward second. It's an outstanding angle in which to make the call.

[maineump]

We use B for U3. Reasons is because most games you work are 2-man and you are always in B with R1. So why change the view you are accustomed to.

In this situation you would also have PU rotating, so no need for U3 to cover 3B,

[noumpere]

My association uses CCA mechanics and with R1 we stand in a "deep" B.

If your association requires deep B, then it's not CCA.

 

CCA allows either.

[zoops]

Only thing I don't like about being in the B is that with a RHP it's tough to see if he flinches or does anything goofy with his hands while he's set since you (and U1) are more or less looking at his back.  Granted the PU should be able to see it...

[noumpere]

Well, the purpose of the balk rule is to protect the runner, so if you and U1 can't see it neither can the runner and so he won't be disadvantaged.  And the opposite is true -- if the pitcher does something that the runner can see, you and U1 will see it too.

[Haid D' Salaami]

Only thing I don't like about being in the B is that with a RHP it's tough to see if he flinches or does anything goofy with his hands while he's set since you (and U1) are more or less looking at his back.  Granted the PU should be able to see it...

If you cant see him "flinch, or do anything goofy with his hands".. then your too far away to the left ..

[gclg2000]

My association uses CCA mechanics and with R1 we stand in a "deep" B. We stand almost literally in the baseline between 1st and 2nd. When R1 steals you take one step up and turn toward second. It's an outstanding angle in which to make the call.

 

That's too far back

[noumpere]

 

My association uses CCA mechanics and with R1 we stand in a "deep" B. We stand almost literally in the baseline between 1st and 2nd. When R1 steals you take one step up and turn toward second. It's an outstanding angle in which to make the call.

 

That's too far back

 

For three man, it's correct.

[zm1283]

 

 

My association uses CCA mechanics and with R1 we stand in a "deep" B. We stand almost literally in the baseline between 1st and 2nd. When R1 steals you take one step up and turn toward second. It's an outstanding angle in which to make the call.

 

That's too far back

 

For three man, it's correct.

 

 

 

 

Not necessarily. The MiLB guys stand about two feet into the grass. I do the same because it keeps you from getting too deep and looking right up the runner's a$$.