Plays at the Plate

[BRUMP]

What do we think about this umpires timing, positioning etc on these plays?

[BT_Blue]

I am good on all three.

[umpstu]

43 minutes ago, BRUMP said:

What do we think about this umpires timing, positioning etc on these plays?

No issues. Good job watching touches of third base.  Did the catcher drop the ball in the bottom one?

[ElkOil]

Timing looks good, and coming set in time to see the call is good, too. 

For the second call, gaining some distance and getting more toward the edge of the dirt circle will accomplish two things. One, the umpire is safer from injury. Note how the runner slid well beyond the distance where the ump was set up. There's a well-known video of Greg Gibson taking a cleat to the head, which would have been avoided if he was just a little farther away:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYrX7o9YELo

Two, with one foot in the batter's box, that's also too close if the play wasn't clean and it blows up. You're gonna want to see the larger picture.

On the third call, I'd recommend instead of using up the triplicate circular arm wave, just one big safe signal. We want to give close, exciting plays the sales job and the energy they deserve without looking like we're getting wrapped up in the excitement. I've also picked up the tip of giving an indicator as to why he was safe since it looked like the play was in time for the out. For example, if the ball is on the ground, I point and yell "Ball is on the ground!" to address any confusion and prevent an argument afterwards. And also setting up close to the edge of the dirt circle.

[Thunderheads]

I see no issues on any of them .............

[maven]

Here's a still from "Play 3":

I have 2 remarks about this image. First, great position. You read the play, adjust to your spot, and you're the right distance with a perfect look between the players at the action. Couldn't be better. Kudos.

Next, judgment. This call is extremely tight, and happens right at the plate. F1 should get up the line slightly to have a better chance at a tag. This tag happens virtually right over the plate, which is generally a sign that the runner could have touched it first. As it's ever so slightly up the line, I'm fine with getting an out here (baseball fundamental: it's a game of defense). But man, that's tight (runner's always think they beat the tag, but this one has some justification!).

[maven]

Here's a still from "Play 2":

I'm curious what you saw here: I'm guessing the runner pulled the left hand back and touched with the right? (This is a genuine question: this was bang-bang, you had a great look, and I defer to your judgment where the video does not provide clear evidence of an IC.)

[BRUMP]

12 hours ago, ElkOil said:

Timing looks good, and coming set in time to see the call is good, too. 

For the second call, gaining some distance and getting more toward the edge of the dirt circle will accomplish two things. One, the umpire is safer from injury. Note how the runner slid well beyond the distance where the ump was set up. There's a well-known video of Greg Gibson taking a cleat to the head, which would have been avoided if he was just a little farther away:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYrX7o9YELo

Two, with one foot in the batter's box, that's also too close if the play wasn't clean and it blows up. You're gonna want to see the larger picture.

On the third call, I'd recommend instead of using up the triplicate circular arm wave, just one big safe signal. We want to give close, exciting plays the sales job and the energy they deserve without looking like we're getting wrapped up in the excitement. I've also picked up the tip of giving an indicator as to why he was safe since it looked like the play was in time for the out. For example, if the ball is on the ground, I point and yell "Ball is on the ground!" to address any confusion and prevent an argument afterwards. And also setting up close to the edge of the dirt circle.

@ElkOil the ball was not dropped on the third one. The runner pulled his left hand back and the right hand beat the tag to the plate. As far as being a little to close, I agree although I was probably a little close I was also not exactly 3BLX. I was towards fair territory by a few steps from 3BLX. The runner slid right through the center of the plate, and being turf he slid far, and I was clear of him.

5 hours ago, maven said:

Here's a still from "Play 3":

I have 2 remarks about this image. First, great position. You read the play, adjust to your spot, and you're the right distance with a perfect look between the players at the action. Couldn't be better. Kudos.

Next, judgment. This call is extremely tight, and happens right at the plate. F1 should get up the line slightly to have a better chance at a tag. This tag happens virtually right over the plate, which is generally a sign that the runner could have touched it first. As it's ever so slightly up the line, I'm fine with getting an out here (baseball fundamental: it's a game of defense). But man, that's tight (runner's always think they beat the tag, but this one has some justification!).

@mavenI agree this call was extremely tight. I had an out in real time and was very confident about it, looking back at the replay and slowing it down dozens of times I'm not sold either way. One frame makes me think the tag got the right hand before the left hand got to the plate. This one makes me think maybe not. 

5 hours ago, maven said:

Here's a still from "Play 2":

I'm curious what you saw here: I'm guessing the runner pulled the left hand back and touched with the right? (This is a genuine question: this was bang-bang, you had a great look, and I defer to your judgment where the video does not provide clear evidence of an IC.)

On this one the LH was pulled back and the RH got to the dish first. I was 100% on this but knowing the call I came up big with the triple safe. The video cuts off but the HC started to come out to me on this one and he got about halfway to me when his F2 looked at him shook his head and waved him off. HC did a 180 back to the dugout. 

 

BTW in case anyone hasn't figured it out yet its me in these videos

[blue23ll]

Excellent videos, how were they taken and by who? 

My only upgrade would be to set up more toward the edge of the circle. You are in the best positions, relative to the wedge, but by being too close the plays may blow up on you. 

 

Good job!

[ElkOil]

4 hours ago, BRUMP said:

BTW in case anyone hasn't figured it out yet its me in these videos

You look good out there. I like your air of confidence. I wish I could get video of my work.

[BRUMP]

On 4/5/2018 at 4:23 PM, blue23ll said:

Excellent videos, how were they taken and by who? 

My only upgrade would be to set up more toward the edge of the circle. You are in the best positions, relative to the wedge, but by being too close the plays may blow up on you. 

 

Good job!

One of the tournament facilities I work at, pretty sure its in my bio, if not every Jersey guy will recognize it has webcam that you could view games with on a subscription. Its great for reviewing games I did the only caveat is I can only save videos in 1 minute clips as its designed for highlights not umpires haha. There is no better tool to learn tho than from watching yourself on video.

 

On 4/5/2018 at 6:59 PM, ElkOil said:

You look good out there. I like your air of confidence. I wish I could get video of my work.

Thank you I appreciate the compliment. Depending on what level you call video is probably out there. At the varsity level, at least around here, a lot of it is covered by the local paper. At the youth level if you see a parent with a tripod (there seem to be more and more and I think they're all clinically insane) see if they can send you even a half inning of the game. Ive had some success with this before the game if I see a parent with some Hollywood like setup for the MLBer in the making I try to use it to my advantage.

[Kevin_K]

Ahhh.... the ball yard in Flemington.

In play number one, a technique I have been taught on plays like this is to step up from POP toward what would be a wedge position off of F1's left hip. As you step up it is necessary to step through a direct line between F1 and F2, but there is usually more than enough time to make this transition, especially with the distance behind HP on the field you were on.

By moving toward 1B, the PU can have the entire play in front of him with the ability to have F3 sliding toward him. Those who teach the wedge profess that the runner coming toward an umpire is optimal positioning. By positioning yourself on 1BLX, there is a greater chance of the tag occurring while the runner's body is between the umpire and the tag, thus blocking out any view of when or if a tag actually occurs.  

 

[Richvee]

Great work. FWIW I don't think you're too close. We are being taught get as close as you are comfortable with. Reason being when you're close, if need be, a little 1/2 step can change the angle you need to see into the wedge better as the tag develops . When you're farther away, to change that viewing angle that same amount, you would need two or three full steps...there's no time for that many steps.     @Kevin_K gives some good advise on the passed ball play, but that's a tough spot to get to. That's something that needs to be instinctive and move to that position right away. 

Great job. Somehow we need to find a way to get us Jersey UE members together to do a tourney together.

[BRUMP]

On 4/5/2018 at 8:56 PM, Kevin_K said:

Ahhh.... the ball yard in Flemington.

In play number one, a technique I have been taught on plays like this is to step up from POP toward what would be a wedge position off of F1's left hip. As you step up it is necessary to step through a direct line between F1 and F2, but there is usually more than enough time to make this transition, especially with the distance behind HP on the field you were on.

By moving toward 1B, the PU can have the entire play in front of him with the ability to have F3 sliding toward him. Those who teach the wedge profess that the runner coming toward an umpire is optimal positioning. By positioning yourself on 1BLX, there is a greater chance of the tag occurring while the runner's body is between the umpire and the tag, thus blocking out any view of when or if a tag actually occurs.  

 

@Kevin_KIm trying to follow along here. On this play I would end up around 3BLX right?

 

On 4/5/2018 at 11:33 PM, Richvee said:

Great work. FWIW I don't think you're too close. We are being taught get as close as you are comfortable with. Reason being when you're close, if need be, a little 1/2 step can change the angle you need to see into the wedge better as the tag develops . When you're farther away, to change that viewing angle that same amount, you would need two or three full steps...there's no time for that many steps.     @Kevin_K gives some good advise on the passed ball play, but that's a tough spot to get to. That's something that needs to be instinctive and move to that position right away. 

Great job. Somehow we need to find a way to get us Jersey UE members together to do a tourney together.

Thank you Rich. And yes. We should find a way to make it work. I will see if I can work some magic in Monmouth CO.

[Kevin_K]

7 hours ago, BRUMP said:

@Kevin_KIm trying to follow along here. On this play I would end up around 3BLX right?

Something like that. It would depend on where F1 was in relationship to HP and where the tag might be occurring

Here is an example:

And another

 

[BRUMP]

33 minutes ago, Kevin_K said:

Something like that. It would depend on where F1 was in relationship to HP and where the tag might be occurring

Here is an example:

And another

 

I see what you are saying. Take my play though. In order to account for the last minute adjustment, or in my case the pitcher going to ground, I would have to be pretty close to the play right?

 

[Kevin_K]

With this play, I would say that staying on F1's hip would have PU rotating from around 3BLX to the left side of the catcher's box for the best look into the wedge.

A quick deliberate stride to the left should be enough to get to where you can get an unobstructed view of the tag/no tag and touch/no touch.

 

[millerforrest67]

On ‎4‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 10:25 PM, BRUMP said:

What do we think about this umpires timing, positioning etc on these plays?

Hes out in Play #3..... at 20 secs the catcher has the ball in the mitt & in front of the plate. Out! Out! Out!

 

[johnnyg08]

Just a little bit of happy feet on the first clip which I think is actually titled clip 3...or the wild pitch.

The umpire was set for your call, but some unnecessary bouncing around. 

Nice call on the one where the kid lifted his left arm to swim the tag. 

Good clips. At the amateur level consider maybe a little more depth...some might say the umpire is a tad close. 

 

[BRUMP]

6 hours ago, millerforrest67 said:

Hes out in Play #3..... at 20 secs the catcher has the ball in the mitt & in front of the plate. Out! Out! Out!

 

@millerforrest67are you referring to the one where the umpire gives a triple safe signal?? If so I can say with absolute certainty he was safe.

[BRUMP]

1 hour ago, johnnyg08 said:

Just a little bit of happy feet on the first clip which I think is actually titled clip 3...or the wild pitch.

The umpire was set for your call, but some unnecessary bouncing around. 

Nice call on the one where the kid lifted his left arm to swim the tag. 

Good clips. At the amateur level consider maybe a little more depth...some might say the umpire is a tad close. 

 

@johnnyg08Thanks Johnny. I appreciate the critique.

[millerforrest67]

On ‎4‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 6:24 PM, BRUMP said:

@millerforrest67are you referring to the one where the umpire gives a triple safe signal?? If so I can say with absolute certainty he was safe.

Yes I am referring to that one. Look again. The catcher puts the tag right in front of the plate & the runner slides his hand right to it. Stop it at 20 secs. He was certainly out. 

 

[BRUMP]

8 hours ago, millerforrest67 said:

Yes I am referring to that one. Look again. The catcher puts the tag right in front of the plate & the runner slides his hand right to it. Stop it at 20 secs. He was certainly out. 

 

@millerforrest67 Video might be inconclusive, but I'm gonna need you to trust me on this one he was definitely safe. 

[Thunderheads]

9 hours ago, millerforrest67 said:

Yes I am referring to that one. Look again. The catcher puts the tag right in front of the plate & the runner slides his hand right to it. Stop it at 20 secs. He was certainly out. 

 

You must have had a better view?  

[ElkOil]

9 hours ago, millerforrest67 said:

Yes I am referring to that one. Look again. The catcher puts the tag right in front of the plate & the runner slides his hand right to it. Stop it at 20 secs. He was certainly out. 

 

Second guessing his judgement by reviewing video when he only had one look at it in real time isn't productive. Brump's question was meant to solicit our input on "timing, position, etc." which I take to mean everything but his judgement since telling him he's wrong isn't going to get anyone anywhere. Even then, he had the best view/angle out of all of us. I'll trust his call on this.

I'm sure he and the rest of us would be receptive to any input you have that could help us all improve by using Brump's examples, which he very kindly and bravely shared.