1-man: timing play with a rundown between 1B and 2B is pretty tricky, right?

[orangebird]

Had probably my biggest "yeah that's why you need 2 umpires" situation that thankfully was solved peacefully but wanted to confirm it's quite the doozy of a situation

2 outs, R1 and R2 on base. BR hits a single, takes a big turn around 1st and he gets in a small rundown, is eventually tagged out. During that time, R2 rounds third and is hoping to score while the rundown happens. 

I don't remember my exact positioning (around the mound towards the first base side I think), but I do know the plate was absolutely not in my line of sight and definitely not my focus once I saw BR take a wide turn and realized we were looking at a possible tag on the basepath.

The coaches seemingly agreed on if the run scored or not but it definitely made me realize a closer play in a higher stakes working solo would've been...not fun to unpack.

 

[Velho]

Only criticism I have (that you're not already aware of) is, it's "time play" not "timing".

[grayhawk]

8 minutes ago, orangebird said:

higher stakes working solo

If you're working solo, then by definition it can't be high stakes.

[SeeingEyeDog]

@orangebird, some pieces of advice about working games solo...

1) Do NOT mention you are working by yourself at the plate meeting unless the coaches ask. If they ask, then of course, tell them you will be working the game solo. If your partner is running late, then tell them your partner is running late.

2) If you are indeed working the game solo, do not say things like, "Yeah, so since I'm working by myself there's not going to be any check swing appeals, or discussions of fair/foul balls blah, blah, blah..." Do not alter the message at the plate meeting because you are solo. 

3) If there's a problem with a call you have made DO NOT say as a retort, "Yeah...well...then get another umpire out here!" or "I'm by myself here!" or anything else overly defensive about your work. Manage the game solo the same way you would ANY OTHER GAME. Warn, restrict, eject as your association or leagues have instructed you.

4) Work hard, go to camp and do whatever you can to elevate your umpiring such that you become 'TOO GOOD" to be assigned solo games.

~Dawg

[BigBlue4u]

I think it would be appropriate at the end of the pre-game meeting to say to the coaches, " OK guys, I'll be working hard and will do the best I can for you."  Then do it.

[noumpere]

1 hour ago, BigBlue4u said:

I think it would be appropriate at the end of the pre-game meeting to say to the coaches, " OK guys, I'll be working hard and will do the best I can for you."  Then do it.

That should always be the case  whether there's 1 umpire or 6.  Just do it; no need to say it.