3 (or 4) man. U1 getting hit with pickoff throw

[grayhawk]

I've been hit twice this season with pickoff throws from F1 while in A with R1. I know I'm getting slower, but has anyone else had this happen? Granted, I like to work close to the bag (10 feet), but this is getting ridiculous! I have moved back to around 15 feet from the bag since. I've been wearing a cup on the bases for years for just this type of scenario.

On the second one, R1 dove back and the ball went under him, somehow missed him completely (seriously, this is nearly impossible), and bounced up and whacked my left shin.

Am I alone on this, or have others experienced this shame?

 

[The Man in Blue]

At least you weren't in C? 

That's all I've got.  Never had it happen.

[Replacematt]

1 hour ago, grayhawk said:

I've been hit twice this season with pickoff throws from F1 while in A with R1. I know I'm getting slower, but has anyone else had this happen? Granted, I like to work close to the bag (10 feet), but this is getting ridiculous! I have moved back to around 15 feet from the bag since. I've been wearing a cup on the bases for years for just this type of scenario.

On the second one, R1 dove back and the ball went under him, somehow missed him completely (seriously, this is nearly impossible), and bounced up and whacked my left shin.

Am I alone on this, or have others experienced this shame?

 

First inning, first D1. Lefty fooled everyone, including F3. The ball just grazed the underside of my applesack.

[Richvee]

In my very limited 3 man games as U1, I haven’t been hit, but have already dodged my fair share. I’ve also been told to move back up the line. But that look from only 8 feet or so is so much better. 

[Replacematt]

1 hour ago, Richvee said:

In my very limited 3 man games as U1, I haven’t been hit, but have already dodged my fair share. I’ve also been told to move back up the line. But that look from only 8 feet or so is so much better. 

I think that even 8 feet is a little far off the bag, especially the higher you go. That ball gets there fast and there's a lot of athleticism--being able to do a quick lean to the left or over the top to keep R1's body from blocking your view is a gamechanger.

[grayhawk]

50 minutes ago, Replacematt said:

I think that even 8 feet is a little far off the bag, especially the higher you go. That ball gets there fast and there's a lot of athleticism--being able to do a quick lean to the left or over the top to keep R1's body from blocking your view is a gamechanger.

Well, I'm just going to have to chance it. F1's at the D2 level and below have proven to be unreliable in being able to throw the ball within the vicinity of the bag.

[umpstu]

4 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Well, I'm just going to have to chance it. F1's at the D2 level and below have proven to be unreliable in being able to throw the ball within the vicinity of the bag.

At least it's not in the vicinity of your bag.

[MadMax]

I've been grazed or hit several times. Nothing above the shoulders, so I haven't felt... imperiled. 
I do set up what you'd likely regard as "danger close". I'm probably no more than 6 feet away (might even be 5). 

(In)famously, I got hit so squarely (right in the guts), the ball dropped straight down, was retrieved by the F3, who threw out the scampering R1 at 2B. I was credited with an assist... by the broadcast team. 🤨

[JSam21]

I'll ask this question. Are you square to the pitcher or the base?

[grayhawk]

4 hours ago, JSam21 said:

I'll ask this question. Are you square to the pitcher or the base?

I'm square to the corner of the base - where the play is going to be.

[jimurrayalterego]

4 hours ago, JSam21 said:

I'll ask this question. Are you square to the pitcher or the base?

Other than the varied MLB umps techniques which they would have to explain which one among them should be espoused, I've seen some varied official recommendations as to distance and angle from 1B. I have always gone off the foul line and moved closer for a square angle at F1 and took a step to the foul line if F1 delivered. But in my perusing of how things should be done I see other techniques.