2009 Fall Baseball Letter #19

Hi Umpires,

Here are 10 more questions from the Jim Evans Desert Classic that I attended in Arizona.  Again, these are mostly about mechanics for the base umpire at 1st base.  Some questions are redundant but there is a purpose for this reduancy.

Enjoy and learn.

Peace,  LG

11.  Describe the base umpire’s starting position with no one on base?         The base umpire positions himself about 10-12 feet behind the 1st baseman with both feet in foul territory.  His right foot should be just off the foul line, and his body should be square to the plate.  His legs should be spread apart more than shoulder width.  He should be in a “ready” position in a hands-on-knees set (HOKS) as the pitcher is preparing to deliver the ball to the batter (see Section 10.2 on page 81 in the red manual).       If the 1st baseman positions himself deeper than normal, the base umpire will back up onto the outfield grass a bit, although the 10-12 foot distance will be cut back somewhat so that a proper pivot is still possible on a base hit.  Also, if the 1st baseman is playing in (shallow), he will move up with the 1st baseman, never coming closer than 10-15 feet from the base.  The reason why the base umpire positions himself in any of the above positions is to have him in good position for catch/no catch and fair/foul decisions involving the 1st baseman, while at the same time allowing the fielder adequate room should he dive for a ball in the direction of the umpire.  This position also gives the base umpire room to “recover” and get into position for a play at 1st base should the 1st baseman dive towards the umpire while fielding the ball with a play then following at 1st base.  The base umpire needs to be conscious of these positions so he is never too close nor too far back from the 1st baseman when no one is on base.  When the pitcher is in possession of the ball, the base umpire must keep his eyes on the pitcher.  Then, when the pitcher is into his windup and is ready to deliver the ball, the umpire’s head should turn towards the plate, and he should then focus on the plate area, being ready for any check swing possibilities.  

12.  Describe how the umpire should be using his eyes when he is in his set position.  When the pitcher is in possession of the ball, the base umpire must keep his eyes on the pitcher.  Then, when the pitcher is into his windup and is ready to deliver the ball, the umpire’s head should turn towards the plate, and he should then focus on the plate area, being ready for any check swing possibilities.  

13.  What is a cue?   A cue is an action that a fielder takes to make a play.  A well-trained umpire will use cues to determine his movements to the best position possible for that play.  Examples of cues are 1) the direction the ball is hit; 2) the direction the fielder is moving to field the ball; 3) the release of the throw (reading a true throw); the 1st baseman’s method of covering 1st base; etc.  

14.  Explain the 90-degree theory.   On any ground ball to the left side of the diamond and to the pitcher on the mound, the base umpire should strive to get a 90-degree angle from the origin of the throw when he is in the A position.  On balls to the right side or the imaginary box, the base umpire will strive to get the best angle possible and remain in fair territory if at all possible.  The only time he should not do this is if he reads pressure by the 2nd baseman.  He then would take that play in foul territory.  

16.  What is the umpire’s first reaction on ground balls to the left side of the infield?     Bust to your angle and distance.  

17.  What is the umpire’s first reaction on balls hit to the second baseman or right side of the diamond?   Take the “read step” with the left foot to face the ball and then determine if you go fair or foul.  

18.  Describe the imaginary box.   The imaginary box is that area in fair territory near home plate, which is created by “imagining” a 22 ½’  square whose one corner is the point of home plate.  Tips from Jim Evans on positioning on these plays.  1) Extra hustle is required since the BU must travel a greater distance than when the throw is originating from other spots on the infield.  2) It is better to stop short of a 90-degree angle than to overrun your angle since many 1st basemen take this throw from the infield facet of the base rather than the home plate facet.  3) If you notice that the 1st baseman is not taking these throws with his foot on the front of the base, make an adjustment to the side of the base he is using.  4) The BU may find it necessary to be in a direct line between 1st and 2nd.  

19.  What is the worst possible position for the BU when calling force plays at first base?   In foul territory, near the coaches box.  

20.  On throws coming from the left side of the infield, the BU must head into fair territory and read two things.  What are they?   1)      The origin of the throw and 2) if it is a true throw or not.