Stationary or On the Run?

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Greenmonsters

Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Feb 21, 2009
6,168
38
New England
Is there a prefered or taught technique or is it left to the umpire's discretion for a base umpire when making a call at a base to be: a) on the run/moving while getting closer to the play, or b) to get as close to play as possible, but be stationary?

Specific example: bases loaded with initial play a force at the plate on a bunt (catcher unassisted) and secondary play catcher to first to attempt to retire the batter.

I've always assumed that b) is better, but didn't know if there was a standard right/wrong way or if it varied by alphabet rule set.
 
May 30, 2011
143
0
Ideally you want to get to the position and come "set" before making the call. "As close as possible" is not really correct either, angle is much more important than distance, and if you get too close it gets hard to keep all the elements of the play in view i.e. the ball in the glove of F3 and BRs foot hitting the bag.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
Is there a prefered or taught technique or is it left to the umpire's discretion for a base umpire when making a call at a base to be: a) on the run/moving while getting closer to the play, or b) to get as close to play as possible, but be stationary?

Specific example: bases loaded with initial play a force at the plate on a bunt (catcher unassisted) and secondary play catcher to first to attempt to retire the batter.

I've always assumed that b) is better, but didn't know if there was a standard right/wrong way or if it varied by alphabet rule set.

Preferably, set to see the play. With one exception, always stopped and set to make the call. That exception being the front end of a play at multiple bases (i.e., first out of a double play for which the same umpire is responsible for both bases).
 

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