Details: Parent Category: Larry's Corner

JIM EVANS DESERT CLASSICWORKING FIRST BASE

Discussion Questions

1. What is the proper starting position for the BU with no one on base? Position A, HOKS, square to the plate in foul territory. The right foot is next to and parallel with the foul line but not touching the line. He is 10- 12 feet behind the 1^st baseman. If the first baseman is playing deep, he might only be 6-10 feet behind him. If he is playing near 1^st base, the BU should never get closer than 10-15 feet from the base.

2. Name 3 times the base umpire can help the plate umpire with decisions involving the batter or batter-runner. 1) Check-swing, 2) A batted ball hitting the batter, 3) Catch/no catch on strike 3.

3. Describe the proper mechanics, signals and communication between the PU and the BU when the PU requests help on a half-swing. After a request by the catcher or manager or on his own, the PU will signal and say, “Ed, did he go?” The base umpire (Ed in this case) will respond with a signal and voice, “Yes, he went!” or “No, he didn’t go!” Ed will include a visual mechanic of a strike if he went and a safe mechanic if he didn’t go. In NCAA any player may request it, not just the catcher. In Federation, the umpire does not have to honor the request of the catcher or the coach. However, there is no good reason that you should not honor the request of the coach or catcher. If you don’t, you are opening up a “can of worms” that you don’t want to eat.

4. Explain how the PU and the BU divide responsibilities for making fair/foul decisions when there are no runners on base. The PU has fair/foul decisions on the 3^rd base foul line all the way to the fence and beyond. The PU has up the 1^st base bag on the 1^st base foul line and a slow roller that goes over and beyond the base. The BU has fair/foul decisions from 1^st base and beyond except on a slow roller. Also, if the BU makes a mistake and comes in to pivot on a ball near the 1^st base foul line anywhere, the PU now becomes responsible for the fair/foul decision.

5. Explain each umpire’s responsibilities when an attempted tag is made on the BR before he reaches 1^st base. PU has the tag play up to the 45’ line unless he is screened. The BU has the tag attempt beyond the 45’ line unless he is screened.

6. What is meant by Pause, Read & React? PU & BU don’t just start running somewhere when the ball is hit. Umpiring smart is Pause – Stop and begin to look at cues; Read – decide where to go; React – going where you have decided you need to go, i.e., the BU goes out because it is a trouble ball or comes in and pivots because it is a routine fly ball or an obvious base hit. PU is reading the ball, fielders and his partner. This is the area that most of the NW umpires that have never learned to read a trouble ball make the most mistakes. A lot of our umpires don’t read anything, they just go on every fly ball that is hit to the outfield in their area of responsibility. They think that it looks good to everyone else if you go. They think what does it hurt? It is better to go out than come in and pivot because at least it shows you are hustling. However, there is umpiring smart and there is umpiring not so smart. Going out on every fly ball is not umpiring smart. Learn to Pause, Read and React.

7. With no one on base, when should the BU go out on batted balls into the outfield? Give examples. Trouble balls. Any fly ball that takes the right fielder toward the foul line; 2 or more converging fielders; Right fielder or Center fielder go back hard on batted balls; Any ball that may or may not be caught near the warning track; Fielder running hard in to catch below the waist; Any home run to the BU area of responsibility.

8. If the BU goes out on a trouble ball, when does he return to the infield? When the fielder releases a throw to the infield.

a. The batter hits a fair line drive down the right field line. The BU goes out. The right fielder fields the ball and throws to second but the sliding runner is safe on a close play. Explain what the BU should do. Watch the catch/no catch, signal if there is any doubt that it is a catch or not. When the fielder releases his throw toward the infield, the BU should run in foul territory toward home plate. Also, the BU should be watching the ball and glancing at the runner as he is running toward the plate.

b. On a trouble ball that hits the bottom of the fence in right center, the BR heads for third base. Describe the base umpire’s actions and communication. The base umpire should have gone out on this trouble ball. When it hits the bottom of the fence, he should signal nothing and wait until the ball is picked up and thrown to the infield. Once it is thrown to the infield, the base umpire should head back toward the plate by going toward the 1^st baseline and returning toward home in foul territory. If he arrives in time for any play at the plate, he should communicate to his partner, “I’ve got the plate or I’m home!” At the end of the play, one of the umpires should check the ball for any damage that may have come from the ball hitting the fence.

9. On throws to first base from anywhere on the field, who is responsible for overthrows into dead ball territory? The Plate Umpire.

10. Describe the responsibilities of the BU on an obvious base hit into right field when:

a. The BR rounds the base and then draws a throw from the right fielder back into first. As you pause, read and react, you decide that you need to pivot. As you enter the diamond, you will check over your right shoulder two or three times, as you are moving toward the cutout. You should enter the diamond about 1 or 2 steps outside the cutout. As you get on the infield grass, you will begin to make about a 270-degree (pivot) turn that will take you toward 2^nd base and parallel with the baseline. You should watch the batter-runner touch or miss 1^st base. You should now pick up the right fielder and watch his throw. Since it is back toward 1^st base, you will stop and take a drop step toward the 45-line of the 1^st baseline and come to a hands-on-knees set for the play back at first base on the batter-runner.

b. The BR runs all the way to second and is safe on a close play. As you pause, read and react, you decide that you need to pivot. As you enter the diamond, you will check over your right shoulder for the ball, two or three times, as you are moving toward the cutout. You should enter the diamond about 1 or 2 steps outside the cutout. As you get on the infield grass, you will begin to make a 270-degree turn that will take you toward 2^nd base and parallel with the baseline. You will watch the BR touch or miss 1^st base and continue to stay ahead of him and come to a standing set near the cutout at 2^nd base for the play there. You are also watching for any obstruction on the BR by the pitcher or 1^st baseman. You need to get to the 2^nd base cutout prior to the BR’s slide and be in a hands-on-knees set (HOKS) for the play at 2^nd base.

c. The BR slides safely into third. Same as above but when you read that there will only be a play at 3^rd base, you will anticipate this and therefore, you will not continue to 2^nd base but will sharpen your turn and stay ahead of the BR as you come to a hands-on-knees set near the 3^rd base cutout. Remember to watch the release of the throw so you do not get in the way of the throw.

11. Describe the base umpire’s starting position with no one on base? The base umpire positions himself about 10-12 feet behind the 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st baseman is playing in (shallow), he will move up with the 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st base should the 1^st baseman dive towards the umpire while fielding the ball with a play then following at 1^st

base. The base umpire needs to be conscious of these positions so he is never too close nor too far back from the 1^st 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 1^st baseman’s method of covering 1^st 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 2^nd 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 1^st basemen take this throw from the infield facet of the base rather than the home plate facet. 3) If you notice that the 1^st 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 1^st and 2^nd.

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.

21. What two choices does the BU have to get good position for plays at first when the throw is originating from the right side? If he should take the play from fair or foul territory.

22. When should the BU go into foul territory for force plays at first base? When he reads pressure.

23. List three examples of pressure. 1) The second baseman moving to his left, 2) the 1^st baseman moving to his left and 3) sometimes when the pitcher tries to cover 1^st base.

24. Describe the proper footwork and action for the BU when a throw is originating from the shortstop playing in a normal position. Step up, turn and face the ball. Bust to your angle and distance. As the fielder fields the ball come to a standing set, square your feet to the base while still facing the fielder. If he makes the throw, watch his release and read if it is “true” or not. If it is “true”, turn your upper body and square it with 1^st base too. Go into a hands-on-knees set (HOKS). Now focus on the 1^st baseman’s foot, base and the BR’s foot as you listen for the sound of the ball striking the leather of the mitt. If the ball beat the runner, you have one piece of vital information but you now must use your eyes properly by shifting them to the mitt and observe if the fielder has firm and secure possession and that he is about to voluntarily release the ball. When all that is in place, you now may signal the results of the play, which is an out in this instance. If the runner beat the ball, you would have already signaled “Safe!” because there is no need to check on a dropped throw because he was safe without it.

25. Which foot should you always start with when the ball is hit into the infield? Your left foot.

26. Illustrate the diagonal of first base and state when it will help you establish the proper position for force plays at first. Looking at the square base below, the umpire will move to a position so he is straddling the diagonal line from the top left to the bottom right at about 15-18 feet from the base. He should square his feet to the base while still facing the 3^rd baseman and/or the pitcher who has fielded the ball on the dirt of the mound. This is called the built in angle for force plays at first base. The base umpire should also come to a hands on knees set when he reads a true throw from the pitcher or 3^rd baseman. I am trying to show this in my drawing below but I can’t square the base umpire to the play.

BU – I don’t draw very well but the BU shoulders should turn and square up with the base at 1^st. BU

27. Name the two set positions for plays on the bases and give examples of each. Standing Set and Hands-On-Knees Set (HOKS).

The standing set is used for fair/foul, catch/no catch, plays at the plate, interference, obstruction, overthrows, tags between bases, and any other play in which a follow-up play is likely (e.g., front end of a double play). The HOKS is used for all routine force plays at first, most tag plays on the bases, all pick- offs, and all steals.

28. When should the BU go into a hands-on-knees set position for a force play at first base? After the release of the throw by the infielder and the umpire reads a “true” throw.

29. Describe the umpire’s eye movement on a ground ball to the shortstop who makes a good throw to the first baseman when:

a. the throw beats the batter-runner. The base umpire will move his eyes from the base and now focus on the fielder’s mitt or glove to see if there is firm and secure possession. If there is, the umpire will now signal the out. If there is not, the umpire will signal the safe.

b. The batter-runner beats the throw. Since the runner beat the throw, there is no need to know if there is firm and secure possession because the runner is already safe. He will still be safe if the ball is juggled or dropped.

30. What is the closest an umpire should be from the first base bag with no one on base? 10-15 feet.

31. When will and umpire’s timing be quicker: When the BR is safe or when the BR is out? The umpire’s timing will be quicker when the BR is safe because there is no need to observe if there is firm and secure possession.

32. What is the umpire looking for when his eyes are focused on the base? The base umpire is looking to see if the 1^st baseman has contact with the base and if the runner touches the base.

33. Describe four type plays that can develop when the pitcher is covering first base. A tag play, an obstruction, interference and a force play.

34. What should the BU do when the throw gets by the first baseman? He should try to get inside the cutout as on a pivot and be ready to take the BR to 2^nd base and/or back to 1^st base.

35. What is the proper adjustment when a throw from the left side of the infield pulls the first baseman off the base toward home? The base umpire will take a step, look and a lean toward the 1^st base foul line.

36. What is the proper adjustment when an infielder’s throw pulls the first baseman off the base toward right field? The base umpire will take a step, look and a lean toward the infield grass or toward the mound.

37. Why do throws in the dirt create problems for the umpire? Because they look like they might be a “true” throw and also, as you listen for the ball to enter the mitt or glove, you will maybe hear three sounds. The ball hitting the dirt, the ball hitting the glove or mitt and the BR’s foot hitting the base. This can confuse the best of umpires. Also, there is the possibility of a pulled foot.

38. Why do short throws to first base create problems for the umpire? There is less time to move your head to focus on the play. There is a greater chance of juggling the ball on short throws. You have less time to make your decision.

39. What is the ideal distance for a force play at first base? The manual reads 15-20 feet but the accepted distance and what is in the Federation and taught at the professional umpire schools is 15-18 feet. The NCAA does not specify any distance but they do say the most advantageous position possible.

40. Should the umpire regulate his movement into position on how hard the ball is hit? Why? No, because all umpires should be trained to bust into their angle and distance. If you can get to your angle quickly, you will have more time to read a “true” throw or a poor throw. This will give you a better chance of getting your call correctly. If it is a poor throw, you will have more time to make an adjustment.

41. Describe the BU’s action when a ball is hit slowly up the first base line that will require a fair or foul decision. There are two ways to do this but Jim Evans manual has the plate umpire make the fair/foul decision and the BU just busts to his angle. On a hard hit ball and other schools of thought are to have the base umpire get the fair/foul from the base and beyond no matter what the situation is.

42. What defines position? I am not sure what this question is asking.

43. Which is more important: Proper angle or proper distance? Proper angle

44. What creates proper timing? The proper use of your eyes.

45. Which is more important: Proper timing or proper position? I don’t have any substantive reason for my answer but I believe proper timing is more important. Why, because I see a lot of umpire’s in lousy positions still get the call correct because they have good timing. In fact, many of the major league guys do not take the correct position on many plays and still get them correct.

46. With no one on base, when should the BU hustle into the infield and stay ahead of the BR? On any base hit, any fly ball that he does not go out on and on any ball that gets past the infielder by an error.

47. On throws to first, will the BU ever be positioned directly in the baseline between first and second? Explain. Yes, on some throws that originate from the “imaginary box.” The box that was described earlier in this Q & A. Basically most balls that the throw originates from the home plate area is when the BU should strive to take the throw in the 1^st to 2^nd baseline. However, if the 1^st baseman or 2^nd baseman is taking the throw with their left foot to the inside of the base; the BU will be straight lined. If they are taking it off the front corner, then this is a good position.

48. Name four disadvantages for going into foul territory for force plays at first base. 1) The base will sometimes block your vision if the pitcher touches or does not touch the inside edge of the base. 2) The ability to get back ahead of the BR if there is an overthrow. I can’t think of any others at this time.

49. How high is the first base bag? 3-5 inches.

50. Explain the difference in making a legal tag of a base and a legal tag of a runner. A legal tag of the base may be done with any part of the body as long as the fielder has possession of the ball. A legal tag of the runner must be done with the ball in the bare hand, the glove only or the ball in the glove-hand combination.

51. Which umpire has initial responsibility for calling a runner’s lane violation? Why? The home plate umpire. Because he does not have to focus on the safe or out at first base as much as the BU. If he is doing his job properly, he is following the BR up the 1^st baseline, straddling the line. He should watch the release of the throw and then watch the BR’s position in relationship to the 45’ line, observe the play at 1^st and help his partner if there is a swipe tag or pulled foot and also is responsible for overthrows into dead ball territory.