New position...

[LMSANS]

at least for me.

In a freshman scrimmage the other day, I was BU. When there were 2 outs and R3 or R2 & R3, I set up in B. It seemed to work well.

Am I understanding this right? :shrug:

[POLOGREEN]

Larry, thats what was taught at our association and at the Rutgers Prep Clinic. Thats what the State wants here in NJ!

[LMSANS]

Larry, thats what was taught at our association and at the Rutgers Prep Clinic. Thats what the State wants here in NJ!

I missed the Rutgers Prep Clinic this year because of an ASA clinic. I guess I'm not as dumb as I thought.

:HD:

[Umpire in Chief]

Our association frowns on this mechanic. The thought is there is no need to cheat to first for the imminent play. Our first responsibility is the lead runner. And we should be in shape enough to get to the B side working area for the routine play at first.

[Bailey8]

At our state clinic (Illinois) we were told if third can be stolen, be in C position. Otherwise stay in B with runners on base.

Darin

[Umpire in Chief]

Also I don't mean to lead on that this is an incorrect mechanic, I believe it is in the CCA that way, just not accepted where I am.

[LMSANS]

Frankly, I've lost track of where I learned this mechanic. That's why I posted. I feel better now that PoloGreen said it was what they taught at the state mechanics clinic. I guess that's where I heard it before. My association's mechanics meeting is this week, so I'll follow up with them.

Thanks

[MCLEOD36]

In FLA, they said you can go to B, if you are more comfortable in that situation or like R1 and R3. I like C and just have been more comfortable there.

[POLOGREEN]

This is a point of emphasis in New Jersey this year...trying to get ALL umpires on the same page mechanically, to make sure that in state sectional and beyond that umpires from all parts of the state (north, south, sect 1,ect.) are using the exact same mechanics.

I had it in a game last night...the base umpire was in C one inning and B the next....we corrected it!

[mstaylor]

I teach C for R1 and R2, R2 only, or R3 if F5 is holding, which is seldom. All other times, I use B. As far as I'm concerned outs make no difference.

[Robert Roe]

Out here the association I'm in instructs that we are to be in position B only when there is a runner on first or runners on first and third with a left handed pitcher. :TD:

[Umpire in Chief]

Out here the association I'm in instructs that we are to be in position B only when there is a runner on first or runners on first and third with a left handed pitcher.

Thats interesting

[widac]

Our association teaches B for R1 only and R1, R3. Handedness of F1, outs and whether F5 is holding the runner or not doesn't matter.

[mstaylor]

Out here the association I'm in instructs that we are to be in position B only when there is a runner on first or runners on first and third with a left handed pitcher.

I try to always to give reasons for where I tell them to go. What is the logic you are using?

[Mr Umpire]

I try to always to give reasons for where I tell them to go. What is the logic you are using?

My only guess would be the more likelihood of a pick off at 1B with a lefty. Also, better position to possibly see a balk although, I know they are difficult from that angle anyway.

[mstaylor]

I agree that you should be in B as Robert is being taught. What I was questioning was, why only these situations and with a LH pitcher.

With a R1 or R1 and R3 you should always be in B. I don't think the number of outs or the hand of the pitcher should make a difference.

[Mr Umpire]

I agree it should not depend on the pitcher's throwing hand. However, I was told it was changed from being in B to C for a 1st and 3rd situation. Has it been changed back or was I told wrong? I believe B is better for the pick off and the steal of 2B but I was told it was being taught to move to C for this.

[softballump0421]

In PA......we are taught that with R1 & R2 we are in the C position, also with R2 & R3 we're still in C position. The only time we're in B position is when there's a runner on 1st base and thats it. I've gone to 5 national world series tournaments and have never had a problem with anyone saying I was out of position. This is what I've been taught for 13 yrs umpiring softball and still we teach this way here in the Keystone State.

[LMSANS]

Softball mechanics are different than baseball. My original question was meant as a baseball question.

Thanks for your input though.:confused:

[mstaylor]

LMSANS is correct, softbal or 60ft baseball you would stay in C. 90 ft baseball you are rarely in C.

[jjb]

Local associations aside: (do what your told and keep your UIC happy), grab a sheet of paper, and draw it out.

If you change from C to B with R1 and R3, you are "shallowing" your angle in both directions. If I'm in C, I'm closer to the 3rd baseline for the pickoff at first, (the distance sucks, but I've got a better angle than I'd have in ,and I've got a 90 degree angle for the pickoff at 3rd, (where, all things considered, I'd least want to screw up). Why would I give up angle for distance here?

[POLOGREEN]

What is being taught is whenever there is a runner on 2b to be in the C position. R3 you are in B.

[willv28]

Personally I think B vs C is a matter of personal preference. Typically I follow the standard pattern. With R1 I do love B for the play at first, but after that, I HAVE to have C in all situations even R1 & R3 partly due to a vision thing and I believe I can see the plays better. Another umpire is always in C with anyone on.

[Tyennie]

has anyone taken a look at Carl Childress' "Mechanics for the 21st Century." Of course i cannot give you a link to find this document, at this time. He presents some pretty good points for revising the "traditional" (dang there is that word again) mechanics for we amateurs.

Start in long B, (PU has the lines of course). R1 move to C, better angle, if R1 steals you don't follow the play to 2B, you are standing and waiting. A few other thoughts also.

I will contact him and see if he can give me an up to date location for those who might want to peruse. ty

[Tyennie]

Okay Carl just sent me the document. So if you would like to have a look, send me a pm with your email address and i will send it to you. tyennie