Two-Man Situation

[834k3r]

Caveat:  I wasn’t working this game, but heard about it from the two that were working it.

Level and rule set doesn’t matter.

BU in C. Batter drives a ball to deep right field that is very close to the line. PU moved to 1BX and made the call of fair. The ball was apparently foul by folks that were there.

The only thing I can think of that could have been better is for the PU to run up the 1B line. The BU would’ve had to read that and covered home.

I guess the question is what’s the proper mechanic for a trouble ball deep toward the foul line when the BU is in the opposite infield position—B or C?

[Richvee]

With less than 2 out, PU can come up the 1BL to get the fair/foul, Catch/no catch. He should communicate this with the BU so BU can help out on getting the tag up if there's an R3. If it's a catch and/or fair, PU gets back to the plate for any plays there. 

With 2 outs and an R3, now PU needs to stay 1BLX to see the touch of R3 at home. Nothing he can do. BU never covers home

[834k3r]

37 minutes ago, Richvee said:

With less than 2 out, PU can come up the 1BL to get the fair/foul, Catch/no catch. He should communicate this with the BU so BU can help out on getting the tag up if there's an R3. If it's a catch and/or fair, PU gets back to the plate for any plays there. 

With 2 outs and an R3, now PU needs to stay 1BLX to see the touch of R3 at home. Nothing he can do. BU never covers home

That’s what I figured; to be fair (pun not intended) I don’t know how many outs there were. I just know the DHC was so livid at the call (fair when it was apparently foul), the crew chief (BU for that game) ejected him.

[Velho]

13 minutes ago, 834k3r said:

I just know the DHC was so livid at the call (fair when it was apparently foul)

Have to wonder how many people were screening PU, OBC, F1, F9, BR, (F2?), that added to the situation and call.

[Richvee]

16 minutes ago, Velho said:

Have to wonder how many people were screening PU, OBC, F1, F9, BR, (F2?), that added to the situation and call.

I’ve found as the years go by and being screened more than I care to remember on f/f calls, I’ll sometimes take a step or 2 off the line ( oh, the horror) to get a look around multiple players. Just be set when the ball lands or is touched. 

Another issue can be fields themselves. Unless it’s a well manicured, perfectly flat field, there’s a good chances there’s some small hills gullies out there. I’ve had more than one fly ball on the line disappear into a low spot before contacting the ground.   

[834k3r]

2 minutes ago, Richvee said:

Another issue can be fields themselves. Unless it’s a well manicured, perfectly flat field, there’s a good chances there’s some small hills gullies out there. I’ve had more than one fly ball on the line disappear into a low spot before contacting the ground.   

In this particular case, it’s a artificial turf field, so bumps and lack of visible markings are not an issue—but I get your point for sure.

[noumpere]

There will be plenty of time to get back to the plate for any play, so without an R3 or with two outs go up the line.  If R3 and two outs and R3 misses the plate, too bad -- that's less important than getting the call on the line.

If R3 AND less than two outs, PU needs to go back on 1bx to get the tag up.

[The Man in Blue]

2 hours ago, 834k3r said:

The ball was apparently foul by folks that were there.

Meaning: the defensive team’s parents … a truly unbiased source.

[834k3r]

3 minutes ago, The Man in Blue said:

Meaning: the defensive team’s parents … a truly unbiased source.

I don’t know for sure, but I think some of them were other coaches in the tournament.

[Velho]

1 hour ago, Richvee said:

I’ll sometimes take a step or 2 off the line ( oh, the horror)

👆and the further up the line you are, the more you get from those 2 steps are in clearing those in the way

[JonnyCat]

To add, PU's positioning when he has fly ball responsibility can have him going up the line regardless of the number of outs anytime a runner is on R3 in the 2 man system.

If using MiLB mechanics, when PU has fair/foul responsibilities with R3, the mechanics will have him going up the RF/LF line no matter the outs. Only as far as the play will allow, and they stress, only far enough that you have time to get back to the plate for a possible play. With 2 outs, they say you could get farther up the 1BL, as you won't have a tag up.

It won't be very far, and you'll have to get the tag up over your shoulder when on the RF line.

There are other ways to do it, but this is how MiLB has it in their manual. There are other ways to do it, YMMV.

[JonnyCat]

2 hours ago, Richvee said:

I’ve found as the years go by and being screened more than I care to remember on f/f calls, I’ll sometimes take a step or 2 off the line ( oh, the horror) to get a look around multiple players. Just be set when the ball lands or is touched. 

Agree, this is a good move. Many times the players get in the way.

[Catch18]

I don’t know for sure, but I think some of them were other coaches in the tournament.

Pretty much just as bad.