Another new 2015 FED Mechanic

[JaxRolo]

Here is another change in the FED Mechanics.

At the time of the pitch in the 2-man system, when in the A position, the base umpire should be walking into the pitch.

???

 

 

2015 Umpires manual page 25 Paragraph 2.

 

 

[blue23ll]

I saw this on the FB page too. Is this a Florida manual of mechanics?

[JaxRolo]

I saw this on the FB page too. Is this a Florida manual of mechanics?

No its the 2015-2016 Umpires NFHS Manual

[blue23ll]

We don't get those here in Washington,  postage is way too much. 

[johnnyg08]

 

I saw this on the FB page too. Is this a Florida manual of mechanics?

No its the 2015-2016 Umpires NFHS Manual

 

 

I think mine is already in the garbage.

[LMSANS]

I don't know if it was in the NFHS manual, but that has been the mechanic in NJ for a few years.  According to our state mechanics guy we follow strict NFHS mechanics.

[Jimurray]

I thought "walking into the pitch" or HOK were both accepted as a "ready" mechanic in A. I do HOK.

[Majordave]

Not trying to be a dick but.....if the helmet fits......

The title of the topic thread is:

Another NEW 2015 Fed Mechanic.

[umpstu]

Not trying to be a dick but.....if the helmet fits......

The title of the topic thread is:

Another NEW 2015 Fed Mechanic.

You're not a dick, you're anal. You said so on the poly wool hem question. Get it together.

[Jimurray]

I don't know if it was in the NFHS manual, but that has been the mechanic in NJ for a few years.  According to our state mechanics guy we follow strict NFHS mechanics.

I doubt it. Arbiter still has the 2013-14 manual. It shows HOK and is shaded as apparently it was a change from 2012. And now the pendulum swings again, although I think any kind of ready posture that allows PRR and pitch tracking and checked swing responsibilty is ok. 

[berns_97]

Its true i read it and was confused because PBUC says that you should be set. Here in Florida FHSAA told us to walk in and be right behind the first baseman "close enough to see the first basemans shoe laces." Dont know why they would do this

[blue23ll]

If you are close enough to "see the first basemen's shoe laces", when he turns to chase a pop up you will be close enough to get run over. 

[JaxRolo]

Our college association wants us close enough so we can see the 1st basemans Right Foot shoelaces.

[MidAmUmp]

They probably mean walking in like a softball umpire starting off in the outfield and walking in until the catcher catches the ball...or something like that.     

 

However, when I think/teach walking in I say take 2-3 steps and lean in with a hand on your front knee - in this case left hand on left knee. The reason I teach this is it automatically opens you up for P-R-R - all you have to do is stand up and you're already open - you never have to turn your back until you've committed to going out which is the indicator to the plate umpire that you're out.

 

As far as seeing the shoe laces...I know it's being taught and I do mention it, but I would say make sure you're not taking yourself out of position for plays at first base because you are trying to see shoe laces. Meaning - if the 1B is playing in, don't shorten up so much that your primary responsibility (the play at 1st) explodes on you because you're too close.

[noumpere]

I agree with the above -- except I only take one step.  Do this after F1 has started his motion and before he releases the ball.  You are still set to view the check swing.

 

And, the purpose of "seeing the shoe laces" is to be sure you are close enough to rule on a trap play right at F3.  Too many are too far back and can't see through the fielder.

 

If f3 is up too far, then just move "back" to your position to take the play at first -- much like you have to do in 3-man with an R1. (But I do agree that if F3 is in front of the base, you can't follow him in that far).

[MidAmUmp]

I agree with the above -- except I only take one step.

Essentially as far as the play allows. I do the same, when the pitcher starts his delivery I'll start moving forward and will be stopped/hand on knee BEFORE the ball gets to the hitter. Sometimes it's 1 step, sometimes it's 2 or 3.

[conbo61]

I agree with the above -- except I only take one step.

Essentially as far as the play allows. I do the same, when the pitcher starts his delivery I'll start moving forward and will be stopped/hand on knee BEFORE the ball gets to the hitter. Sometimes it's 1 step, sometimes it's 2 or 3.

This what I have done for the past couple of years. Didn't realize it was an "official" mechanic or that it was taught. We used to teach infielders to take "ready steps" so they don't react from a flatfooted start, and just figured that the same principle applies to umpiring. I start a little deeper so when I come set I am where I would be if I were stationary.

[zm1283]

The part about seeing shoe laces is taught because a lot of umpires, especially at third base while working 3-man, work far too deep. I've listened to evaluators at clinics talk about this while other guys are working. Like MidAm says, if you're in the A position and F3 is playing in even with the base, you don't want to get too close. I quit using the HOK stance on the wings last year and it's much more relaxing not having to put your hands on your knees every pitch. 

 

The MilB guys who work 3-man have started walking into the pitch instead of using the HOK. They also work very close to the corner infielders. Probably 6-8 feet behind them at most.