4 Man Mechanics--Working Second

[Jackrabbitslims]

Umps,

Do any of you have info on 4 man mechanics? 

I need all the info for positions. If anyone has specific info on using the wedge on a steal as well as how to get in positions for the double play on both sides of the field that would be appreciated.

[Tborze]

33 minutes ago, Jackrabbitslims said:

Umps,

Do any of you have info on 4 man mechanics? 

I need all the info for positions. If anyone has specific info on using the wedge on a steal as well as how to get in positions for the double play on both sides of the field that would be appreciated.

https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2022 PIAA 4 man baseball mechanics(1)(1).ppt

[Jimurray]

31 minutes ago, Jackrabbitslims said:

Umps,

Do any of you have info on 4 man mechanics? 

I need all the info for positions. If anyone has specific info on using the wedge on a steal as well as how to get in positions for the double play on both sides of the field that would be appreciated.

Deep B puts you the best position for steals. Turn with the throw. For DPs move to the open side of the pivot man’s glove for the best look at a drop or transfer and stay with the play at 2B for any violation. 

[Jackrabbitslims]

Thank you for your help. Does anyone have anything on starting "on the dirt" with runners on 1st while working 2nd base?

[MadMax]

Preface: We need to break B and C into three different levels, or tiers. We need to also introduce a position nicknamed E, or Echo. We have standard B, then B-deep (just inside of the 1B-2B baseline), then B-beyond (outside of that baseline, but not in the outfield). Correspondingly, we have standard C, C-deep, and C-beyond. We’ll explain E (Echo) later on, as the situation arises.

As U2 in 4-man – 

Absolutes: 

• You are never in (standard) B or C. 
• You are never* making a Fair/Foul call (unless you blatantly see a batted ball off the batter, and your PU can’t/doesn’t see it).
• If you’re staying out, you stay out. 
• If you’re in, you are never going out. You “have people” (the two wing umpires) for that. 
• When in, you have nothing* to do with pickoff attempts to 1B or 3B (you have the F1 to focus on; you have nothing to do with the safe/out call at those bases; there is no “going (to you) for help” (unless your partner calls Out, but the ball is not in the fielder’s possession)). 

Advisements: 

• Prepare to focus on plays at 2B, whether that be BonaFide Slide (OBR) or FPSR (college). Keep in mind those two are ≠. Then there’s NFHS, but it, at least, is similar to college. This is 99.9% your call; you don’t have an additional / following play to turn your attention to. 
• Pre-pitch / pre-At-bat signals should route thru you, from PU to the wings. If PU is occupied / distracted by the battery, then give signals to your wings. Don’t let wings dictate signals without you and/or PU acknowledging them (U1s have a very bad habit of coming in; only certain situations influence this). 
• Pre-game discuss, that when in an IFF situation, if the potential pop-fly involves either middle infielder, you (U2) are not only taking the catch/no-catch, but you should be the primary call / signal of IFF. You’ll be the best judge of routine effort. 

Positioning: 

• No Runners – Start ≈ 10-15 feet off the dirt, opposite power. This way, you’re (typically) out of the F8’s LOS, and your movement will be typically made more efficient (see below). If Fly, U2 has F7—F8—F9 catch/no-catch. Stay out. If either side outfielder runs towards their line, that is a wing umpire’s fair/foul _&_ catch/no-catch. Visibly verify that U is going out, then come in. If sure liner / base hit, come in. Best movement is to “hook the bag” – to enter the infield on the side opposite the ball exited the infield. Stay chest to ball as much as possible, and put the base (2B) between you and the source of the throw. If BR reaches base before throw arrives, release and “work the bag” (read steps, angle, etc.). Ground ball: stay chest to ball, and float until true throw or ball leaves infield. 
• R1 Only – Best: B-deep. Heels on or just off the grass/dirt line. HOK shoulders parallel to 3BL. Advanced (OBR, NCAA D1, etc): C-beyond. 
• R2 Only – Best: B-deep. Adv: B-beyond. Read step on pickoffs to 2B, but you have both the middle infielders in front of you, so you can see possible OBS, etc. If using B-beyond, pre-game with other BUs that unless it is a fly ball to deep centerfield, you are going to immediately come in and line up bag & tag. 
• R2, R3 – Same as R2 Only. 
• R3 only, < 2 Outs – Best: E (Echo). Depending on power (side) of Batter, determines which way to shade… more towards 3B or more towards 2B when positioning off F6’s shoulder(s). Any fly ball that causes U3 to go with (ie. pop Foul) or go out (ie. Trouble), then U2 is come in to the 3B cutout. If caught, stay for throw. If drops for a Hit, immediately drop step and head to 2B cutout. Adv: your U1 and you may signal for him to come in, regardless if U3 goes out or U2 (you) goes (stays) out. 
• R3 only, 2 outs – just as if No Runners on. 
• R1, R2, < 2 outs – B-deep. Prepare for DPs and double-tag. 
• Bases loaded, < 2 outs – same as above. 
• R1, R2, 2 outs – B-deep. Adv/Allowed: C-beyond. No tag-ups or DPs to worry about. Work bag if falls for hit. If U3 goes out, may need to come in and take R1 and BR to 3B. 
• Bases loaded, 2 Outs – same as above. 

Of course, I saved the most dangerous one for last… 

• R1, R3 – Best, and God be with you: B-deep. Why so scary? Because of the double-steal, and the propensity for amateur F4s to run / throw right thru you. You have to be (highly) aware of your surroundings. 

[SeeingEyeDog]

@Jackrabbitslims uh...I love your milkshakes and waitstaff, btw...

I would recommend getting a copy of the CCA Baseball Umpire's Manual. It's published every year. They cover 2,3,4 and 6-man mechanics. Your post did not mention what level of ball you are working so, if you are working small field LL, this manual is not a good choice. And even if you ARE working the big field (90'), I would still check with one of your senior local brothers or association leadership to make sure that's an approved resource. I wouldn't want for you to spend the money and or time to learn CCA's mechanics if that's not what your association uses.

~Dawg 

[tpatience]

Pm me. I’ll send you the 4 man manual 

[Jackrabbitslims]

I am working a High School County Semi-Final. For me it is a big game. I appreciate all the advice and detailed breakdown of what to do.