Should I Have Said Something?

[Sut'n Blue]

 

So here's the situation:

JV game, R1 and R3, I'm in C. R1 goes to steal, F2 throws down. I take a couple steps back and let the ball turn me toward the cutout. As I finish turning I almost collide with F4 but am able, rather awkwardly, to avoid him.

Many teams have a play designed for when there is an R1 and R3 in which they throw to a middle infielder or even the pitcher in hope of fooling R3 into trying to steal home. In my situation the play was that F4 would run in to be a few feet in front of the second base cutout to take the throw from F2 and, if R3 went, throw home. Not necessarily a bad idea as it may help sell the fake throw except for the fact that F4 and BU are headed to the same place. Fortunately I was able to avoid F4 but it was close as he wasn't just standing there but charging in pretty hard to take the throw and gun it home. They tried this a few times during the game but once bitten I was ready for it and held my ground after the first time.

Would it have been appropriate for me to take the coach aside at some point and explain the BU mechanic to him so as to caution him about the play? 

 

[ricka56]

 

So here's the situation:

JV game, R1 and R3, I'm in C. R1 goes to steal, F2 throws down. I take a couple steps back and let the ball turn me toward the cutout. As I finish turning I almost collide with F4 but am able, rather awkwardly, to avoid him.

Many teams have a play designed for when there is an R1 and R3 in which they throw to a middle infielder or even the pitcher in hope of fooling R3 into trying to steal home. In my situation the play was that F4 would run in to be a few feet in front of the second base cutout to take the throw from F2 and, if R3 went, throw home. Not necessarily a bad idea as it may help sell the fake throw except for the fact that F4 and BU are headed to the same place. Fortunately I was able to avoid F4 but it was close as he wasn't just standing there but charging in pretty hard to take the throw and gun it home. They tried this a few times during the game but once bitten I was ready for it and held my ground after the first time.

Would it have been appropriate for me to take the coach aside at some point and explain the BU mechanic to him so as to caution him about the play? 

​No ...we need to adjust to the play/players, not the other way around.

This is a common play. Now that you've seen it, maybe you'll be ready for it next time. Once I see F2 release the throw, I'll be peaking to see what is going on to my right. This play is another good reason to set up in 'B' with R3/R1.  

[maineump]

You have to stay out of their way. What I do is move up in a two man system. First step forward then let the ball turn you. You still need to see the play at 3B if that throw happens. You will still be close enough for the play at 2B, but not taken out of the play at 3rd.

[ElkOil]

I set up in B with R1 and R3 on base.

[VAUmp]

You shouldn't be in C with runners on 1st and 3rd.  You should be in B.  Every manual on umpiring mechanics states you should be in B.

[NorthTexasUmp]

You shouldn't be in C with runners on 1st and 3rd.  You should be in B.  Every manual on umpiring mechanics states you should be in B.

​Including FED!!! (Now)!

[maineump]

An easy way to remember to be in B is that the plate guy will be rotating up to 3B after watching the touch on an outfield base hit. You need to be where the play will be happening - either 2B or 1B.

[maven]

An easy way to remember to be in B is that the plate guy will be rotating up to 3B after watching the touch on an outfield base hit. You need to be where the play will be happening - either 2B or 1B.

​That's not the reason for B with R1, R3.

[maineump]

​That's not the reason for B with R1, R3.

​What is the official reason? We have been doing it because it makes sense, and the CCA manual has B in that situation. The coverage for U1 is basically the same as having R1 only.

 

[maven]

​What is the official reason? We have been doing it because it makes sense, and the CCA manual has B in that situation. The coverage for U1 is basically the same as having R1 only.

 

​Once the ball is batted, we step up into the working area from both B and C, so we end up officiating play from the same position. That can't be a reason for B over C as our initial position.

The reason is pre-batted ball: B is a far better position for officiating a steal of 2B. So any time a steal of 2B is possible, we want to be in B (R1 only or R1/R3).

[maineump]

​Once the ball is batted, we step up into the working area from both B and C, so we end up officiating play from the same position. That can't be a reason for B over C as our initial position.

The reason is pre-batted ball: B is a far better position for officiating a steal of 2B. So any time a steal of 2B is possible, we want to be in B (R1 only or R1/R3).

​That's what I have been doing for a while now, because it is easier for me to see the steal play at 2B. I work the B in a 4-man crew with R1 only as well. Now in college we work the B (as the U3) with R1 only as well. Makes perfect sense - thanks Maven

[ricka56]

My understanding is that 'B' is preferable (R1/R3) so that you are in a better position to see the most likely close call play...a pick-off at 1B.

[jkumpire]

​That's what I have been doing for a while now, because it is easier for me to see the steal play at 2B. I work the B in a 4-man crew with R1 only as well. Now in college we work the B (as the U3) with R1 only as well. Makes perfect sense - thanks Maven

​

My understanding is that 'B' is preferable (R1/R3) so that you are in a better position to see the most likely close call play...a pick-off at 1B.

​

You are both wrong, with all due respect. Being in B gets you a better look at the money call on R3/R1, the possible, probable wacker at 1B at the back end of a double play. It likely will help on a pick or a steal, but they are calls of secondary importance. How many times will a throw go through to 2B with less than 2 out in anything below NCAA D1/MiLB? Further, what is the priority in a 2Man with R3/R1? the pick at 1B is not at the top of the list.   

[ricka56]

​You are both wrong, with all due respect. Being in B gets you a better look at the money call on R3/R1, the possible, probable wacker at 1B at the back end of a double play. It likely will help on a pick or a steal, but they are calls of secondary importance. How many times will a throw go through to 2B with less than 2 out in anything below NCAA D1/MiLB? Further, what is the priority in a 2Man with R3/R1? the pick at 1B is not at the top of the list.   

​If BU was using 'C' (R1/R3) and he wasn't near the same spot that he'd be in, starting from 'B' on the back-end of a DP, then he'd be a less-mobile umpire. The same as a DP with bases loaded with BU in 'C'. If BU is calling that whacker from near 'C' then that is a mobility issue.